These were the top stories for the week of Feb. 28 – March 6, 2011.

 Where Did the Kids with Disabilities Go?

Special education students have dwindled in San Diego Unified. It could be a sign that schools are treading more carefully before labeling children disabled.

 San Diego Explained: Last Hired, First Fired

When school districts lay off teachers, the newest ones are the first to go, which hurts some schools more than others.

 Buy a House Now? It Depends…

Does it make sense to buy in a market where prices are reasonable, but at risk of falling further, while monthly payments are at rock-bottom levels? That depends on whether you care more about the future of home prices or of monthly payments.

 Two City Directors Receive $46K in Raises

The increases come as the city faces a $56.7 million budget gap and tries to keep other employee salaries steady.

 It Sometimes Snows in San Diego

Our sunny city has seen a flake or two in its time.

 Three Takeaways from the $4 Billion Decision

We talk tradeoffs, downtown and how the big list can still be changed.

 Schools Pull Punches in Redevelopment Fight

Local school districts have been reluctant to aggressively back the governor’s plan to end redevelopment, even though it will benefit education statewide.

 Graphic: How San Diego Would Spend $4 Billion

Most of the redevelopment money would pay for affordable housing, public infrastructure and parks, but that’s not the case everywhere in the city.

 Charter School Shuts Out Investigator

San Diego Unified is investigating Chollas View school over allegations of harassment and intimidation.

 Redevelopment Money Now on Schools’ Budget Table

Millions in downtown redevelopment funds traditionally used to repair and maintain downtown schools can now be used to spare teachers. That changes the political calculus for San Diego Unified as it tries to lessen layoffs.

Contact Grant Barrett, engagement editor for voiceofsandiego.org: grant@voiceofsandiego.org or (619) 550-5666 or @grantbarrett on Twitter.

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