Update: The Cypress School District has posted an official news release on their website. You can click here to read the release.
The text of the news release is as follows:
“During a special session on March 10, 2026, the Cypress School District Board of Trustees unanimously voted to accept Superintendent Anne Silavs’ request for early retirement effective March 10, 2026. Consistent with the terms of her employment contract, Ms. Silavs will receive her current salary through June 30, 2026, and receive health benefits on the same basis as active certificated employees until age 65, or when she otherwise becomes eligible for Medicare, whichever comes first.
The Board also unanimously voted to appoint Ms. Tracy Mouren-Laurens, Executive Director of Human Resources, as Acting Superintendent effective immediately. The Board will meet in the coming days to select an Interim Superintendent to oversee district operations and the 2026/27 budget reduction process.
“We acknowledge Ms. Silavs’ years of service and her contributions to our music and STEM programs. Our priority remains the stability of our schools and the success of our students during this period of change,” said Board President Lydia Sondhi, Ph.D. “We are confident in a smooth transition with Ms. Mouren-Laurens.”
Ms. Silavs joined the Cypress School District in 2015 and was recognized as the 2021 Orange County Superintendent of the Year. The district will provide further updates regarding the search for a permanent successor as information becomes available.”
On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, the Cypress School District Board of Trustees held a well-attended special meeting.
Agenda item 4.1, Closed Session Public Employee Appointment, Interim Superintendent, was the main focus of the meeting.
In a stunning turn of events, the Board of Trustees accepted the resignation of the Superintendent, Anne Silavs, effective immediately, and appointed the Executive Director of Human Resources, Tracy Mouren-Laurens, as Acting Superintendent.
The now former Superintendent promptly departed the meeting.
Superintendent Silavs formally announced her retirement on February 27, 2026, apparently catching the Cypress Board of Trustees off guard.
Superintendent Silavs’s last day was set to come approximately two weeks after the Board of Trustees has to make their decisions (May 15) on which employees to lay off, furlough, reduce in pay, or otherwise affect due to the budget shortfall.
However, the Board of Trustees decided to take matters into its own hands through this special session by appointing an Acting Superintendent.
We will bring you more updates as information becomes available. The next regularly scheduled Cypress School District Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 6:15 PM.