A charter school in Syracuse is hoping to expand to another part of central New York. The school believes it can provide another option for children and parents.
The Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School wants to open a sister school in Utica. School director, Tolga Hayali, says the school can help improve Utica's 64 percent graduation rate.
"We have the success rate. We have the best practice on the New York State Department of Education website on how the science curriculum can be implemented and encouraged," said Hayali.
Published reports say opponents fear the charter school will siphon money from Utica's public school district. But Hayali says the school will provide parents with another schooling option.
"Bottom line, as long as it helps the kids, that's what we care [about]," said Hayali. "If we can help those kids to grow and get them ready for college, that's it."
If approved, the charter school will open its doors next fall.