we, the peons

why is it in this world of budget cuts and downsizing, the 'higher ups' keep getting raises?
recently, my brother and his fiance both received bad news due to budget cuts. i think almost everyone is feeling the effects, rather in their jobs or their scholarships. a couple weeks ago, a nearby newspaper ran a story about a school district that had to cut 40 jobs - however, the same district had the highest paid superintendent of any nearby districts. this morning, on the radio, i heard that the University of Kentucky released it's newest budget. in one breath, the newscaster announced that 200 jobs were cut, most of which were vacant, but 15 people lots jobs and the teachers' salaries were frozen... then proceeded to say that the President received a $145,000 bonus for some accomplishment. oh, but don't worry, this man ONLY took about $95,000 and he gave the rest back to the university.
why is it that, when most of us are struggling with an increase in gas prices and job shifting, the 'higher ups' are rolling around in their money? it doesn't make sense to me.