DHHS Principal TJ Salutari Named 2026 CAS High School Principal of the Year

December 2025

Daniel Hand High School Principal Anthony (T.J.) Salutari Jr. has been named the 2026 Connecticut Association of Schools High School Principal of the Year. The Principal of the Year award program recognizes outstanding middle and high school principals who have succeeded in providing high quality learning opportunities for students. 

Mr. Salutari has been principal of Daniel Hand High School for the last 13 years. During his tenure, the high school was named a School of Distinction on multiple occasions and in 2024, a National Blue Ribbon School.  

“While this is an individual award, I believe that it is a direct result of our [staff] collective effort,” Mr Salutari said. “We are constantly working together to improve what is already an amazing high school, and it is the commitment of every member of our faculty and staff that makes achievements like this possible.” 

Principals must demonstrate excellent leadership skills, commitment to their staff and students, ongoing service to their communities, and contributions to the overall profession of educational leadership in order to be considered for this award. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Craig Cooke said: 

“We are excited that the State will recognize what we already know in Madison, that T.J. Salutari is an excellent leader of a great high school,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Craig Cooke. “T.J. never backs away from a challenge, keeping students at the forefront of everything he does, and genuinely cares deeply about his faculty and staff.” 

Principal of the Year winners are selected by a committee of current and former principals as well as CAS staff. The committee reviews their application and conducts a school site visit. Mr. Salutari will now go on to represent Daniel Hand High School and the state of Connecticut in the National Principal of the Year Award competition.