The Elwood Union Free School District would like to welcome Dr. Ellen Best-Laimit as its new interim assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction. Dr. Best-Laimit joins Elwood with more than 38 years of experience in the education field. She most recently served as the superintendent of schools for the Babylon Union Free School District, a position she held from 2006-2011 before retiring. Prior to that, Dr. Best-Laimit served as the assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction for Babylon for almost seven years. She has also worked as an elementary school principal in Cold Spring Harbor, assistant principal and coordinator of early childhood centers, among other positions.
    
Dr. Best-Laimit said, “I am looking forward to joining the Elwood community and getting to know the students, parents and staff. Elwood has a reputation for strong schools and I look forward to lending my knowledge and contributing to its continued advancement.”   
    
The district is also pleased to announce the appointment of Maryann Llewellyn as the interim principal of Harley Avenue Primary School. Mrs. Llewellyn will serve as the principal for the 2012-2013 school year, as Karen Koliadko has accepted a position with a school district on the East End. Mrs. Llewellyn most recently served as Elwood’s assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction. She has extensive experience in education, including her work as a classroom teacher, teacher coach, principal, assistant superintendent, deputy superintendent and superintendent. Mrs. Llewellyn’s background also includes teaching on the college level at Hofstra University.
    
Of assuming the principal position at Harley, Mrs. Llewellyn said, “I am excited to return to the primary school level to serve as Harley’s principal and am committed to making the 2012-2013 school year a terrific one for the students.” She also states that she is passionate about literacy and the social and emotional health of all students. “I look forward to building positive relationships with parents and community members,” she said.
    
In order to employ Dr. Best-Laimit and Mrs. Llewellyn who are both retired, the Elwood Union Free School District is required to secure a waiver from the New York State Education Department. The waivers are currently pending.