Paterson schools still looking for teachers; parents critical of last-minute hiring

PATERSON, N.J. (WABC) -- Hours before students were scheduled to return to school, Paterson's school district was still looking for permanent teachers for some classes.

"Her class is kinda hectic cause they took three teachers, right now they have one, and they're trying to split them up," said Nataly Mambuscay, Paterson

Last week, the district had 130 openings. This week, it's down to 80. Teacher's union president Peter Tirri said teachers left in droves because of the new contract in the district, which has been under state control for years due to poor test scores.

"It's really outrageous, and the reason why we think it's so bad is that they've known about some of these people since April," said Peter Tirri, of the Paterson Education Association.

But Eileen Shafer, the deputy superintendent, said the district has been hiring. "We had a job fair (and) picked up quite a few teachers."

The union said it went without a contract for four years. The new contract, signed in July, barely passed with many teachers saying they could barely survive on the salaries offered.

Many retired. The district said it has certified substitutes ready to work. Most vacancies are for special education and bilingual needs classes. Parents have their fingers crossed their kids will be okay Thursday.

Jose Ortiz, a Paterson parent, said his daughter "gets used to her teachers ... she's ready for first grade."