Sandra Dungee Glenn speaks at length, explaining the need to defend the progress in the schools in order to obtain additional funding from Harrisburg and possibly other sources. Martin Bednarik declares he'd like to see many cuts restored, saying he's especially concerned about class size. "Some of these programs are needed and can't be cut," he says. For example, the International Baccalaureate program, if ended, would mean its students just wasted a year of their time. There's lots of talk about specific proposals and recommendations, that, frankly, is confusing. Apparently the commission is considering 5 pending resolutions, including the budget itself, as well as the four resolutions suggested by the Mayor's representative. The first resolution passes.
Glenn and Bednarik ask a member of the advisory staff about a five-year borrowing plan. The speaker explains that about one third of the $890 million will go for new construction, including $67 million for the replacement of West Philadelphia High School. The rest of the capital spending will be for renovations and maintenance projects. That second resolution also passes.
A third resolution, concerning funding for the education of non-public school students, also passes. (The commission then performs a procedural switch of hats, to approve corresponding resolutions for the Intermediate Unit.)
Inquirer reporter Mike Jensen is the college basketball columnist for the Inquirer. Each year, he gives a special insight into the tournament.
Inquirer reporter Jeff McLane is the beat writer for Temple. He will pick the tournament.
Inquirer reporter Tom Fitzgerald will blog about Hillary Clinton's Pa. visits March 10 &11.
Inquirer reporter Larry Eichel will post updates on Bill Clinton's March 7 visit to Media.
Inquirer reporter Tim Panaccio will write about National Hockey League trade talk. 
Inquirer reporter David Aldridge will live-blog the week before the NBA's trade deadline. 
Peter Mucha began this blog, before moving on to other writing duties.
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