The second wave of the budget crisis:

Let's start with this: 

Affluent schools feel the crunch

 One of the things I find so interesting about the state budget crisis is how it's hitting in different waves. Some lower income districts (such as CPS) have been in crisis mode  for awhile-cutting jobs, consolidating positions, not renewing positions and finding creative ways to still educate the students.
  Now these schools discussed are some of the most well funded and arguably "best" schools in the state. I am amazed at the difference between the administration of these schools and some of the other districts in the state. The Wilmette schools have been planning for two years to lessen the impact? That's awesome. Where is that leadership in other districts? 
   Another interesting thing (that I kind of have a soft spot for) is couching the budget crisis in terms of the music program. They mention that the music programs are staying (pending an increase in rental fees) but the teachers aren't going to have the budget for purchasing and repairs that they used to, and in a music program that's pretty important. I'll be interested to see what actually happens to their music program and if they can function on limited repairs/music library.
  Anyways, I'm glad to see that some districts have capable financial people in charge who clearly care about their students enough to raise class sizes as a last resort. It's nice to see administrators who are able to balance a budget so well that this is the first tax increase they need to ask for in 30 years. However, this is definitely the exception rather than the rule.