A group of local business leaders and citizens say Peoria needs a Math, Science and Technology Academy.

The not-for-profit group, Peoria Charter School Initiative, submitted a letter of intent to District 150 by the July 1 deadline to create the charter school.

"The reason we're so interested in a math, science and technology school is to provide our community with a flow of students from Peoria to help staff the Caterpillars and other institutions," said initiative member and former Caterpillar CEO Glen Barton.

Charter schools are public, but have more flexibility than other district schools.

They can have longer school days and longer school year.

They can also college professors or area professionals to teach classes.

"This is going to take kids that have promise, that don't have a choice and give them a choice, an opportunity to do something they otherwise would not be able to do," said Barton.

As for possible locations, the PCSI says it would consider placing the school in vacant District 150 schools like the Adult Education Center on Moss Avenue.

Diane Vespa, a mother of two District 150 school children, worries the district has too much on its plate already.

"We have literacy issues in District 150, the schools are not making A.Y.P. like they should be, very real financial issues," she said.

"I think these issues should be addressed before we go pursue other projects."

District 150's teachers union President says they've been left out of the process.

"It feels like the movers and shakers are saying, okay, look, we'll have our own school, and run it the way it should be run, but that really doesn't address the issues of the Peoria community." said President Bob Darling.

District 150 Superintendent Ken Hinton says he supports the idea of a charter school, but has until November to decide.

The charter school will open to any District 150 student.

If the number of applicants outnumber available seats, there will be a lottery.