Daniel Hand Principal TJ Salutari Named 2026 High School Principal Of The Year

MADISON, CT — 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 annual award honors middle and high school principals who demonstrate strong leadership and provide high-quality learning opportunities for students.

Salutari has led Daniel Hand High School for 13 years. During that time, the school has been recognized multiple times as a School of Distinction and was named a National Blue Ribbon School in 2024.

"While this is an individual award, I believe that it is a direct result of our collective effort," Salutari said in a statement. "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."

According to CAS, candidates for the award must show exemplary leadership, dedication to students and staff, service to their communities, and contributions to the field of educational leadership.
Madison Superintendent Craig Cooke said the recognition reflects Salutari’s steady leadership at the high school.

"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," Cooke said. "T.J. never backs away from a challenge, keeps students at the forefront of everything he does and genuinely cares deeply about his faculty and staff."

Award recipients are selected by a committee of current and former principals and CAS staff, who review applications and conduct school visits. Salutari will now represent Connecticut in the National Principal of the Year competition.