New York Principal’s Affair With Younger Teacher Sparks Scandal, Exposed by Scorned Wife

The wife of a Staten Island principal exposed her husband’s relationship with a younger teacher at his school. It's been an affair that not only fractured both their marriages but also led to an investigation into potential violations of New York City’s conflict-of-interest rules.

Principal Anthony Cosentino, 43, was found to have engaged in a “consensual sexual relationship” with Jacqueline Sinodinos, 28, a married teacher at PS 21, according to findings from the Special Commissioner of Investigation (SCI) for city schools.

The report raises concerns that his conduct may have breached ethics guidelines.

The fallout has been severe as both Cosentino and Sinodinos’ spouses have filed for divorce. Following the SCI’s July 2024 report, the city Department of Education (DOE) removed Cosentino from PS 21 in Staten Island’s North Shore.

Despite the removal, he continued to collect his $187,632 salary. SCI Commissioner Anastasia Coleman criticized his “absence of judgment and professionalism” and advised “strong discipline, up to and including termination.”

Instead, insiders say the DOE is considering transferring him to lead another school in the borough.

The allegations first reached investigators in March 2024 when Cosentino’s wife, a DOE teacher at a different school, reported that her husband had maintained an “illicit sexual relationship” with Sinodinos since June 2023. She also alleged that he had given Sinodinos extra school funding for a Thanksgiving celebration and other classroom activities.

According to SCI records, the DOE had already received a tip in November 2023 about the affair and possible favoritism, though it’s unclear whether any action was taken at that time.

A second complaint in February 2024 prompted SCI to launch its own investigation.

City rules do not prohibit workplace relationships unless they involve financial benefits or situations where a supervisor can influence an employee’s work assignments, evaluations, or leave requests. Cosentino eventually admitted the relationship to another DOE official, claiming it came without special treatment or monetary benefits.

The investigation, however, revealed that Cosentino had given Sinodinos “highly favorable” evaluations and had recommended her for tenure, a coveted permanent status offering job security and due-process rights. Teachers typically become eligible after four years of service. Sinodinos received tenure in January 2024, before Cosentino’s confession.

A second administrator who approved her tenure admitted having “suspicions of bias” but said there was no evidence she was undeserving. Public records show she earned $77,771 in 2024.

The SCI report also flagged that Sinodinos attempted to enroll her son in PS 21’s 3-K program despite being zoned for another Staten Island school, though it’s unknown if her application was accepted.

Her marriage ended in June 2024 after her husband filed for divorce in July 2024. Cosentino’s wife began divorce proceedings in October, which remain ongoing.

Despite these controversies, DOE insiders say Cosentino could soon be appointed principal of PS 3, the Margaret Gioiosa School in Elm Park. This has outraged some parents.

DOE spokesperson Chyann Tull stated that Cosentino “is not currently assigned to PS 3,” adding that the school’s retiring principal will be replaced.

“We take all allegations of this kind seriously, and always follow established protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of our school communities,” Tull said.

Neither Cosentino nor Sinodinos responded to media inquiries. Both declined to speak with SCI investigators, “citing their tenured status,” the report noted.

New York Principal’s Affair With Younger Teacher Sparks Scandal, Exposed by Scorned Wife