Elwood Appoints New Principal At Harley Avenue Primary School

ELWOOD, NY — Julie Bilello was appointed as principal of Elwood’s Harley Avenue Primary School, effective July 1, the Elwood School District announced. She replaces the retiring Denise Toscano.

Bilello had served as assistant principal at Elwood Middle School since 2021. She previously worked for 16 years as a special education teacher at Elwood Middle School, the Lynbrook School District and Plainview Old-Bethpage School District, teaching every grade from first to eighth in various settings such as resource room, integrated co-teaching and special class.

A Deer Park resident, Bilello earned an associate’s degree in liberal arts from Farmingdale State College, her bachelor’s degree in child study from St. Joseph’s College, a master’s degree in education/literacy from Long Island University and a post-master’s advanced graduate certificate in educational leadership from Stony Brook University.

"As the newly appointed principal of Harley Avenue, my goal is to create an environment where every child feels valued, supported and inspired to grow, during this exciting and important stage of their development," Bilello said in a news release. "I am eager to continue serving the Elwood School District in a new capacity, where the strong sense of community and collaboration truly sets us apart. I look forward to building meaningful relationships with our students, staff and families, and I’m excited to work together to ensure our youngest Knights begin their school journey with a positive, engaging experience where fun and curiosity are at the heart of learning."