The wife of Staten Island principal Anthony Cosentino is grappling with the fallout from a scandal involving her husband and a young teacher at his school. The Department of Education’s investigation recently revealed that Cosentino, 43, was implicated in “consensual sexual relations” with 28-year-old Jacqueline Sinodinos, a married staff member, which may have breached the city’s conflict of interest policies.
This scandal has resulted in the end of two marriages, as both Cosentino’s wife and Sinodinos’ husband have filed for divorce.
After receiving an SCI report in July 2024 about alleged misconduct, the Department of Education removed Cosentino from his position at PS 21. Despite the allegations, he continues to draw a salary of $187,632, which raises eyebrows given the comments from investigator Anastasia Coleman regarding his “lack of judgment and professionalism.”
Coleman suggested that Cosentino face serious disciplinary action, though reports indicate he could be reassigned to another principal role within the borough.
In March 2024, Cosentino’s wife, also a DOE teacher, filed a complaint with the SCI claiming her husband had been in an “illegal sexual relationship” with Sinodinos since June 2023, noting that he had provided additional school funding for class events like Thanksgiving parties.
Complaints about Cosentino’s involvement with Sinodinos surfaced as early as November 2023, alleging he was giving her preferential treatment. However, the steps taken by the Department of Education in response remain unclear.
The SCI opened its own investigation after receiving another complaint in February 2024.
While romantic relationships between colleagues are generally permissible unless they involve financial conflicts, Cosentino acknowledged an extramarital relationship with another DOE employee but insisted it did not come with any special privileges.
Notably, he gave Sinodinos a “very positive” evaluation and endorsed her tenure, which typically requires four years. This admission followed shortly after Sinodinos achieved tenure in January 2024.
Amid these events, Sinodinos attempted to enroll her child in a program at PS 21, despite being zoned for a different school. Whether or not PS 21 accepted the enrollment is still unclear.
In July 2024, Sinodinos’ husband filed for divorce, which was finalized in June, while Cosentino’s wife initiated divorce proceedings in October; that situation is still unresolved.
Complicating matters further, the SCI also accused Cosentino of neglect for failing to properly oversee Michele Cenci, the school purchase director, who admitted to embezzling over $145,000 from PS 21 over several years. Sinodinos, who is acquainted with Cenci, reportedly sought information from Cosentino regarding the investigation.
Rather than terminating Cosentino, it appears the DOE will move him to the Margaret Joio Sosa School in Elm Park. Parents have expressed outrage, questioning how someone with such serious allegations can be in a leadership role in an elementary school.
A spokesperson for the Department of Education stated that Cosentino is not currently assigned to PS 3 and that he will be replaced. They emphasized the seriousness with which they treat such claims and reiterated their commitment to the safety and well-being of the school community.
Neither Cosentino nor Sinodinos has commented publicly or engaged with investigators regarding the allegations.
