HOWELL – When the final numbers came in on Election Night, Zack Metzger could hardly believe what he was seeing. The Colts Neck High School senior, who turned 18 less than two weeks before voters went to the polls, didn’t just win his race for the Freehold Regional High School District (FRHSD) Board of Education – he dominated it.
Metzger earned an unofficial 10,473 votes, or 67.31 percent of the total, making him not only the youngest member ever elected to the FRHSD Board but also one of the youngest elected officials in New Jersey history.
When asked about his historic victory, Metzger answered questions with the same level of preparedness that impressed many at a recent candidate forum. He was direct and passionate, but also measured, offering specific examples rather than lofty generalities.
Before delving into his goals, Metzger made a point to note that he was speaking solely for himself, mindful of the ethical rules that come with serving on a school board.
“For the purposes of the school ethics laws,” he said early in the conversation, “I just want to be clear that I’m speaking on behalf of myself, not the district.”
Metzger also acknowledged that, while his campaign brought him an overwhelming victory, his first priority would be learning the responsibilities of a board member.
“My first several months are going to be about orientation,” Metzger explained. “I have all these ideas I want to bring forward, but I know I’m one of nine members. Before anything else, I need to understand the district, listen to my colleagues, and learn how to be an effective board member.”
A Campaign Born At Panera Bread
Metzger’s campaign began the way many ambitious dreams do – around a table at a local Panera Bread. Sitting across from his childhood friend and future campaign manager, Matthew Kouveliotes, the two high schoolers sketched out a plan that would eventually lead to a historic victory.
“We were watching what was happening in New York City politics,” Metzger recalled. “We saw how younger candidates were using social media to connect directly with voters. People are tired of the establishment; they like seeing young people step up.”
From that meeting forward, they built their operation almost entirely from scratch. Metzger assembled a small core team of four students, including a treasurer and communications volunteers. Together, they harnessed digital outreach, grassroots efforts, and old-fashioned word of mouth to get their message out.
“I didn’t push anyone for donations,” Metzger said. “It was humbling when people I didn’t even know contributed because they believed in what I stood for. Most of our support came from the community, from people who knew my family and my track record.”
His Platform
Metzger’s campaign focused on four priorities: school infrastructure, student health, 21st-century skills, and restoring academic rigor. Each one reflects his unique vantage point as both a student and an emerging policymaker.
While acknowledging that the district is investing in capital improvements, Metzger added that maintenance is just as important and said students often share everyday problems they’d like to see addressed. Some, he noted, appear simple, like ensuring the water filters on bottle-filling stations are replaced when needed.
On student health, Metzger offered practical ideas. “I’m not against kids drinking energy drinks,” he said. “But I don’t think it’s something our schools should be selling. The same goes for cookies and other junk food. We should be setting a healthier example.”
As a cross-country athlete, Metzger said he’d also like to see the district renew its focus on physical education programs. His perspective on mental health is equally personal. Metzger’s mother is a social worker and therapist, and her influence, he said, has shaped both his campaign and his character.
“My mom’s been incredible,” Metzger shared. “She was a constant source of guidance throughout the campaign. She knows how to communicate and how to get me to think about other sides of an issue.”
When discussing 21st-century skills, Metzger displayed the forward-thinking pragmatism of someone who grew up with technology. along with a clear awareness of its challenges.
“The student who knows how to use AI will always outperform the one who doesn’t,” he said. “We need to be at the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence into the curriculum but also teach media literacy. Students have to learn how to tell fact from fiction in an age of misinformation.”
Learning, Listening, And Leading
Metzger remains grounded, managing a demanding schedule that balances early-morning cross-country practices with school, homework, and campaign events. Despite the hectic pace, he maintained straight As and is now in the midst of college planning. Wherever he decides to attend, one of his top priorities is staying close enough to fulfill his duties as an elected board member.
Metzger stressed that he understands leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room – it’s about listening.
“I’m one of nine members,” he emphasized. “My first goal is to build relationships with the other board members, understand their perspectives, and find common ground. That’s how you get things done.”
And while Metzger is grateful for all the help he received from family, friends, and teachers, he also acknowledged some surprise mentorship from a complete stranger.
Kevin Ciak, who was elected to the Sayreville Board of Education at 19 and later led both the New Jersey and National School Boards Associations, reached out after reading about Metzger’s campaign.
“He’s been an incredible mentor,” said Metzger. “He’s been teaching me what it really means to be an effective board member. Having someone who’s walked this path before is an invaluable resource.”
Metzger will be sworn in on January 6, 2026, at the FRHSD reorganization meeting. As he reflected on his journey from filing his candidacy paperwork to earning more than 10,000 votes, his voice carried both gratitude and purpose.
“I love Howell Township,” he said simply. “And I love the people here. They believed in me, and now I get to give something back.”
