West Islip School District officials tonight voted to shutter two elementary schools in an effort to close the $6 million budget gap it is facing.

Officials say Kirdahy and Westbrook elementary schools will be closed to save the district $3 million. More than 2,000 students will be affected.

Westbrook parents and teachers say they are shocked because it is one of the larger schools in the district, with the second largest enrollment.

The Westbrook shut down will shift around about 700 students and will bring an estimated two dozen teacher layoffs, according to school administrators.

The Board of Education says it examined 26 factors, including the size, location and costs of each school before making the decision.

There is no word yet on how many total jobs will be eliminated.

West Islip parents worried about planned school closuresWest Islip, N. Bellmore parents upset over possible school closuresWest Islip School District mulls closure of 2 schoolsW. Islip parents hear cost-cutting proposals at school meeting