Just as the Cypress Elementary School District’s Board of Trustees seeks financial answers and has request breakdowns of all of the district’s spending, Supt. Anne Silavs has suddenly announced her retirement from the system.
In an unexpected press release issued Fri., Feb. 27, at 2 p.m., Silavs said the retirement was simply a chance to spend more time with her family and with time now for “exploring more opportunities beyond her personal role” after a career of 35 years.
The ENE has reached out to Dr. Lydia Sondhi, President of the Board of Trustees for comment.
The development comes as the district struggles to remain solvent as the board grapples with a $3.3 million budget deficit they did not expect. Undoubtedly, having to search for a Superintendent will likely only complicate that task.
Here is the statement issued Silavs and released by the District.
“After 35 years in public education, including 11 years serving as Superintendent of the Cypress School District, Anne Silavs has announced her retirement, effective July 1, 2026.
Ms. Silavs joined the Cypress School District in 2015 with a commitment to strengthening educational opportunities for all students while building upon the district’s long tradition of strong schools and community support. During her tenure, the district launched several new programs designed to expand opportunities for students, including the establishment of districtwide music and STEM programs and the creation of a new state preschool program to serve the community’s youngest learners. These initiatives broadened learning opportunities for students while helping position the district to meet the evolving academic and developmental needs of its community.
Under her leadership, the district made sustained investments in high-quality professional development centered on evidence-based instructional practices. These efforts contributed to increased student achievement in mathematics and English/language arts. These accomplishments are particularly noteworthy as the district’s student population evolved over time, with growing numbers of socioeconomically disadvantaged students, English learners, and foster youth. Throughout these changes, Cypress schools remained focused on maintaining high expectations and providing strong academic and social-emotional support for every student.
The district’s response during the COVID-19 pandemic marked a defining period of Ms. Silavs’ leadership. Amid unprecedented public health challenges and rapidly changing requirements, Cypress School District provided families with three instructional options—full-time in-person learning, hybrid instruction, and distance learning—allowing families to select the model that best met their needs while ensuring continuity of learning for students. In recognition of this work,
Ms. Silavs received the Orange County School Boards Association’s Maureen DiMarco Award in 2020 for exemplary leadership during the pandemic and was later named Orange County Superintendent of the Year in 2021 by the Association of California School Administrators, Region 17.
Reflecting on her career, Ms. Silavs shared, “It has been an honor to serve the children and families of the Cypress community. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work alongside dedicated administrators, educators, and classified staff, and I appreciate the support and collaboration I experienced from members of the Board of Trustees throughout my years of service. Together, we accomplished important work on behalf of students.”
After more than three decades in education, Ms. Silavs looks forward to spending more time with family, pursuing personal interests, and exploring new opportunities beyond her professional role. Reflecting on her years in Cypress, she expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to serve the district’s students, staff, and families.
“I leave knowing the district stands on a strong foundation built by talented staff and supported by families and a community that value education. I wish the Cypress School District continued success in the years ahead.”
The ENE will follow up with additional coverage next week in the print edition.
###