Through a net loss of seven teachers, administrative pay cuts and closing classrooms, the Central Kitsap School District will try and close a $3.4 million budget gap next year.

David McVicker, executive director of business and operations, said Wednesday at a school board meeting the plan was preliminary, but acknowledged even the early plan was hard to write.

“This has been an arduous process to get to this point,” he said.

To save money, the district originally laid off 17 staff members including 13 teachers. Two secondary level teachers have been brought back as well as four elementary teachers, said district Spokesman David Beil.

Cuts to teachers in kindergarten through sixth grade is expected to save $600,000.

The district hopes to cut more than $500,000 from the general fund including closing six portables, reducing classified staff and supplies. Administrators will lose a day of work expected to save $28,000, according to documents provided by the school district.

The board not take action on the budget.

It will be forwarded to the Olympic Educational Service District, the region’s liaison between the state and the school district, for approval July 10.

Beil said the budget numbers may change between now and August before it is officially approved. He said more teachers may be recalled.

A final hearing and adoption of the budget is scheduled for Aug. 11.

A $1.55 million shortfall was projected in June 2009 after long-range budget planning. After the state released its final budget following an extended legislative session and because of a continuing decline in enrollment, the gap widened, according to a draft of a budget summary.

Full-time enrollment for 2010-11 is expected to be 10,912, 273 students less than the current year.