The Cypress School District has announced the appointment of a San Gabriel School District executive to fill the shoes of Dr. Tim McLellan, the former Assistant Supt. for Business Services, who has retired after many years with the district.
McLellan’s last day with the district was July 11, CSD spokesperson Debbie Parker confirmed for ENE.
The Board of Trustees has now unanimously approved the employment contract of Larry Ferchaw, who will replace McLellan, at its regular meeting on July 10, 2025. Mr. Ferchaw will officially begin his new role on August 1.
“Mr. Ferchaw’s breadth of experience and demonstrated leadership will be an asset to the district,” said Cypress School District Board President Troy Tanaka in a statement.
“We are pleased to welcome him to Cypress and look forward to the positive impact he will make in support of our students, staff, and community,” the board president said.
Cypress officials say Ferchaw brings more than two decades of experience in school finance and facilities management to the role.
“He most recently served as the Assistant Superintendent of Business Services for the San Gabriel Unified School District, where he provided strong leadership rooted in stakeholder engagement, systems thinking, and a strategic approach to long-term fiscal stability,” the district announced in the statement.
Prior to that, he spent 18 years as a consultant in the private sector, managing facilities planning and financing services for school districts across California. In 2010, he supported the Cypress School District during its school closure and boundary realignment process, gaining familiarity with the district and community that will support a smooth transition into his new role.
“Larry’s expertise in school business operations, combined with his strategic insight and collaborative approach, make him an outstanding addition to our leadership team,” said Cypress School District Superintendent Anne Silavs.
“His previous work with our district provides a valuable foundation, and we are confident his leadership will support our ongoing efforts to ensure fiscal responsibility and operational excellence,” she said.
Mr. Ferchaw holds a Bachelor’s Degree in History from the University of California, Los Angeles, where he graduated summa cum laude, and a Master of Science in Journalism from Columbia University.
He also earned a School Business Management Certificate from the University of Southern California and holds additional certifications from both the California Association of School Business Officials (CASBO) and the Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team (FCMAT).
For more information about the Cypress School District, please visit www.cypsd.org.