Dayo Ade Olusola|M10news|US News|10 August 2025
A Staten Island elementary school principal is accused of having an affair with a younger teacher under his supervision and helping her secure tenure, according to a city investigation that has now upended two marriages.
Principal Anthony Cosentino, 43, admitted to a “consensual sexual relationship” with married teacher Jacqueline Sinodinos, 28, the Special Commissioner of Investigation for city schools said in a report alleging possible violations of New York City’s conflict-of-interest rules.
The fallout was personal and professional. Both Cosentino’s wife and Sinodinos’ husband filed for divorce in the wake of the revelations.
DOE Removal but Continued Pay
After receiving the SCI’s findings in July 2024, the city Department of Education removed Cosentino from his post at PS 21 in North Shore but kept him on the payroll at his $187,632 salary.
SCI Commissioner Anastasia Coleman said the case reflected “an absence of judgment and professionalism” and urged discipline “up to and including termination.”
Instead, DOE sources told The Post the department is considering reassigning Cosentino to lead another Staten Island school.
Wife’s Complaint Triggered Probe
Cosentino’s wife — a DOE teacher at another school — filed a complaint in March 2024, alleging her husband’s relationship with Sinodinos began in June 2023 and included giving her extra school funds for classroom parties.
DOE had already received a separate complaint in November 2023 claiming Cosentino was having an affair with the teacher and granting her special treatment. Another complaint in February 2024 prompted the SCI’s formal investigation.
Conflict Rules and Tenure Questions
City conflict-of-interest policy does not ban workplace relationships unless they involve financial perks or supervisory influence over employment.
The SCI determined Cosentino gave Sinodinos “highly favorable” evaluations and recommended her for tenure — permanent job status typically granted after four years — in January 2024.
He admitted the affair to another DOE administrator but denied granting her any special benefits. Another official involved in the tenure process suspected bias but said there was no evidence Sinodinos was unqualified. She earned $77,771 in 2024.
Other Misconduct Concerns
The investigation also noted Sinodinos tried to enroll her son in PS 21’s 3-K program despite living outside the school zone. It remains unclear if the enrollment occurred.
Meanwhile, Sinodinos’ husband filed for divorce in July 2024, finalised in June. Cosentino’s wife filed in October; their case is pending.
Linked to Embezzlement Oversight Failure
A separate SCI probe found Cosentino “negligent” in supervising PS 21’s purchasing secretary, Michele Cenci, who pleaded guilty to stealing over $145,000 from school funds across seven years.
Sinodinos, described as a friend of Cenci, sought details from Cosentino about that case, the SCI report said.
Community Outrage Over New Role
Sources say DOE plans to assign Cosentino as principal of PS 3 The Margaret Gioiosa School in Elm Park, replacing a retiring leader. That possibility sparked outrage among some parents.
“These documented failures in judgment and oversight raise a tremendous amount of concern,” a PS 3 parent told The Post. “We don’t understand how this individual could be cleared to run an elementary school or keep a license that should have been revoked. Our school deserves a leader with integrity.”
DOE Response
DOE spokeswoman Chyann Tull said Cosentino “is not currently assigned to P.S. 3” and stressed that the department “takes all allegations of this kind seriously” and follows protocols to protect school communities.
Cosentino and Sinodinos declined interview requests and refused to speak to investigators, citing their tenured status, the SCI said.
