Key Point Summary – Affair With Teacher

• Staten Island principal accused of affair with younger teacher under his supervision
• Both the principal and teacher’s marriages ended in divorce
• Teacher allegedly received favorable treatment and tenure recommendation
• DOE removed principal from school but kept him on payroll
• Parents outraged over plans to reassign him to another school

The wife of Staten Island principal Anthony Cosentino had enough. Furious over his secret affair with a younger teacher, she blew the whistle — and ignited one of the borough’s most explosive school scandals in years.

Investigators say Cosentino, 43, carried on a “consensual sexual relationship” with 28-year-old teacher Jacqueline Sinodinos, who worked under his supervision. The Special Commissioner of Investigation for city schools claims he may have broken conflict-of-interest rules.

Affair With Teacher Ends Two Marriages

The fallout was swift and personal. Both Cosentino and Sinodinos’ spouses filed for divorce. Her split was finalized in June. His divorce is still pending.

The affair allegedly began in June 2023. By November, the Department of Education had already received complaints — but it’s unclear if they acted. In March 2024, Cosentino’s wife filed a formal report accusing him of the illicit relationship and favoritism.

Favors, Funds, And A Tenure Recommendation

Investigators say Cosentino gave Sinodinos favorable reviews and recommended her for tenure in January 2024. Teachers usually earn tenure after four years, securing permanent job status.

The report also claims Cosentino allowed her extra school funds for class parties, including Thanksgiving festivities. He denied giving her special treatment but admitted the affair — only after she secured tenure.

DOE Keeps Him On Payroll Despite Findings

After the misconduct report in July 2024, the DOE removed Cosentino from PS 21 in North Shore. Still, he stayed on the payroll, collecting $187,632.

Despite calls for “strong discipline, up to and including termination,” sources say he may be reassigned as principal at PS 3 The Margaret Gioiosa School in Elm Park. Parents there are furious.

Parents Say ‘We Deserve Better’

“These failures in judgment and oversight raise huge concerns,” one PS 3 parent told The Post. “We don’t understand how this individual could still lead a school. P.S. 3 deserves better.”

DOE officials insist he has not yet been assigned to PS 3 and that safety protocols are followed. Still, parents fear the reassignment will go through.

More Trouble: School Embezzlement Case

Adding fuel to the fire, a separate SCI probe found Cosentino “negligent” for failing to supervise his school’s purchasing secretary, Michele Cenci, who admitted to stealing more than $145,000 from PS 21 over seven years.

Sinodinos, a friend of Cenci, allegedly asked Cosentino for updates on the embezzlement investigation, according to SCI.

Public Reaction And What’s Next

Outrage has rippled across the Staten Island school community. Many are calling for his license to be revoked, not reassigned. Others demand stronger ethics rules to prevent similar cases.

Cosentino and Sinodinos refused to speak with investigators, citing their tenured status. Both ignored requests for comment.

The DOE has not confirmed when a final decision on Cosentino’s future will be made. For now, parents, staff, and students are left wondering whether their next principal will be a fresh face — or a man whose name is now synonymous with scandal.