Paterson teachers returned to the classroom on Tuesday despite some concerns by the teachers’ union that the schools were not safe.

Paterson was one of the few New Jersey school districts that had all at-home learning for the duration of the pandemic.

Only teachers and staff members reported to work on Tuesday. Students were still at home.

The union was concerned that at least one of the schools had ventilation and HVAC systems that were not safe enough to protect occupants from COVID-19. Videos from inside the schools were posted on social media.

But Paterson School Superintendent Eileen Shafter says that the videos do not represent the safety investments that the schools have made.

“They asked for unfettered walks. We were not with them, where we could take notes or jot anything down and then they went right to social media. I still have yet to receive a report from them,” Shafer said. “I want parents to know we took this very seriously. We spent close to $20 million to make sure that all of the safety precautions were in place for students and staff.”

The superintendent says that 92% of the staff reported for work on Tuesday.