For several years, various city schools in Utica have been identified as schools in need of improvement by the NYS Education Department. It has been stated by the district that high poverty and large numbers of English Language Learners create difficulties in closing the gap. We agree that there are many obstacles that make it difficult for educators to reach desired goals. There are people who believe the answer is for the state to give more money to the school district. However research has shown that this is not necessarily the key trigger for change. Studies have found that effective leaders and teachers designing creative, innovative programs that are results driven and based on the individual needs of students, have a more significant immediate role in the improved education of students. We believe change is needed for the young people in Utica. Mohawk Valley Community Charter School has proposed to do this by opening a high quality K-5 small school environment that provides engaging programs for all students including special needs students, limited English speaking students and those who have potential as high achievers. The approval of the MVCCS will allow parent choice in a tuition free education. We further believe that MVCCS’s dedication to working with the community, its families and their children, and a "no excuses" workplace, will help overcome the obstacles to improving the education forallstudents. In signing this petition we have the opportunity to turn this vision into reality.