Dr. McBreen will lead the PreK-8 Catholic school beginning with the 2026-2027 academic year. He succeeds Mrs. Carol Boyer, who is transitioning into the newly created position of President of Catholicity and Mission.
With 34 years in education, Dr. McBreen is well known throughout Schuylkill County for his leadership at the Minersville Area School District. He served as superintendent from 2013 until his retirement in 2024 after previously working as a school administrator and principal of Minersville Area Junior/Senior High School.
His career in education began in the classroom, where he taught third, fourth, and sixth grade before moving into administrative leadership.
A graduate of Kutztown University, Dr. McBreen earned both his Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Master of Education there before completing his Doctorate in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.) at Widener University. He is also a product of Catholic education, having attended St. Stephen's School in Port Carbon.
After spending two years in retirement, Dr. McBreen said he felt called back to education.
"I decided, after two years of retirement, that I missed education. I wanted to find a good fit, and Assumption really intrigued me. I am happy to be a part of Assumption BVM, where I can deeply integrate my Catholic faith into my work every day," he said.
As he prepares to begin the school year, Dr. McBreen said his primary goal is to create "a faith-filled learning environment for every student who passes through the doors of our school."
He also shared a message with students and families, saying, "It is a pleasure to be your new principal. I am looking forward to working with all of the students and their parents to ensure that a positive learning experience is provided."
Mrs. Boyer expressed confidence in Dr. McBreen's leadership as the school continues to grow.
"Dr. McBreen brings excellent experience and skills with him, and I am very excited to welcome him to Assumption BVM School. I am looking forward to working with Dr. McBreen to lead our school as we continue to grow. Together we will provide a sound academic and faith-filled Catholic education to our families," Boyer said.
A resident of Minersville, Dr. McBreen is a parishioner of Holy Family Parish. He and his wife, Colleen, recently celebrated the birth of their granddaughter, Arden Jane, who was born in May to their son, Nicholas, and his wife, Aly, both teachers in the Hamburg area. Their other son, Jonathan, is an orthopedic trauma physician assistant at Lehigh Valley Hospital.
Assumption BVM School, part of the Diocese of Allentown, serves students in PreK through eighth grade and provides Catholic education to families throughout the Schuylkill County region.