DALLAS -- They're looking for ways to cut the budget at DISD. They're only in the idea stage but one proposal has some teachers concerned.

DISD, like the rest of us, is facing a lot of budget pressure. Fuel prices are up, and so are other costs. Add to that a projected decline in its current enrollment of around 160,000, which means a drop in state aid.

District officials put the state aid decline at $4 million. It likely means no raise for most district employees except for DISD's 12,000 teachers. Still, some of them would be hit as well.

Because to make this work, veteran teachers at DISD 15 years or longer might lose bonuses called longevity pay. That can be as much as $5,000. Teachers are already objecting, starting a petition opposing any cuts for any DISD workers.

“District officials say they're still not sure what will be cut, but belt tightening somewhere is likely,” said Aimee Bolend, DISD teachers.

“The school board has until the end of next month to approve a budget,” said Jon Dahlander, DISD.

Between now and then they are likely to hear from teachers, and other workers, about other places to cut. You'll probably be seeing the teacher petition very soon.

E-mail jmccaa@wfaa.com