BURBANK, IL - St. Laurence High School has announced changes to its academic leadership team beginning in the 2025–26 school year. Under the new structure, Ellen Yopchick has been named assistant principal of instruction, and Dr. Brian Gilbert has been named assistant principal of curriculum and data analytics.

Yopchick, who will continue serving as head girls volleyball coach at St. Laurence, began her teaching career in 2017 as an English teacher. She has been part of the school’s rigorous International Baccalaureate Diploma Program since 2021 and was named English department lead in 2023. Yopchick holds a Bachelor of Arts in secondary education and English from DePaul University and a Master of Arts in education from Marshall University.

“In this new role, I look forward to continuing to build upon our strong culture of academic excellence here at St. Laurence by supporting our talented and dedicated teachers and helping them to continue to shine everyday,” Yopchick said. “Through strategic coaching, data driven evaluations and targeted professional development, we’re elevating an environment where both students and educators can thrive”

“When we decided to establish the assistant principal of instruction as its own role, we couldn’t think of a better person for the job than Ellen Yopchick,” said St. Laurence Principal Kristy Kane. “Simply put, Ellen earns the respect of her students and colleagues through her actions, her professionalism and the trust she builds with everyone she encounters. Those intangibles leave me no doubt that she will thrive in this new role.”

Dr. Gilbert, who has been at St. Laurence for eight years and brings 20 years of experience in education, most recently served as the school’s assistant principal of curriculum and instruction. In his new role, he will lead efforts to enhance student achievement through curriculum development and comprehensive academic data analysis. Gilbert will oversee data-driven decision-making in key areas such as ACT performance, AP and IB scores and instructional practices to support ongoing improvement and academic growth.

“I strongly believe that data is the key to meaningful learning and growth for all students,” said Dr. Gilbert. “I’m excited for the opportunity to dive into the numbers and help drive impactful changes in our curriculum so that St. Laurence can continue challenging the status quo in education.”

“In recent years, Dr. Gilbert has conducted outstanding research that has helped us make informed decisions and launch initiatives that put us at the forefront of Catholic education,” said Kane. “By placing him in a role dedicated to academic data analysis, we can continue to push our students to reach their fullest potential—yielding benefits that will serve them well in college, their careers and beyond.”

Gilbert holds a Ph.D. in curriculum studies from DePaul University, a Master of Arts in education from Governors State University and a Bachelor of Arts in secondary education from Indiana University. He also serves as an adjunct professor in Saint Xavier University’s Education Division.