To help bridge a $4.1 million budget gap, the Castaic Union School District’s governing board approved 45.4 layoff notices Monday at a special meeting.

The total figure, which includes classified employees, teachers and part-time staffers, is actually lower than initially budgeted, officials said, and board members are hoping by the end of the year, more of the pink slips will be rescinded.

“We’re hoping as the district finalizes the calculations, that we can rescind some more,” said board President Steve Teeman, adding district staff is working hard with teachers union representative to keep the impact from the classroom as much as possible.

The staff reductions are expected to impact student:teacher ratios, but exactly how is not definite yet because of ongoing discussion.

Estimates for the number of students per could be anywhere from 28-30 children, but it’s also something staff is still working on, Teeman said, noting the state is asking every school to reduce its ratio to 24:1.

“We’re trying to see where we maybe have to have mixed classes with grades to balance the loads out,” Teeman said, referring to efforts to reduce classroom sizes that are being considered.

Administrators are also looking at adjusting the district’s physical education and arts programs, although the specific adjustments are still being worked on, officials said.

During the meeting, board members also officially named Janene Maxon interim superintendent.

“(Maxon) has been a longtime member of our district staff, and it’s a great comfort to all of us that Janene is able to step up and take care of what needs to be done,” said board member Susan Christopher. “Everyone appreciates Janene’s leadership.”

Maxon unofficially has been filling the position for a little more than a week, after the board placed former Superintendent Jim Gibson on “paid nondisciplinary administrative leave.”

Teeman said the board would discuss the matter further at its next board meeting, May 19.