Meet the Board

Education has played an important role in A.J. Taylor’s life. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Oregon State University, and a master's degree in history from Utah State University. Mr. Taylor graduated with honors from the University of Washington School of Law, then worked as an attorney for two Seattle law firms. For the past 18 years, he has worked in data privacy, with a specialized focus on policy governance for Microsoft. 

Mr. Taylor has helped draft significant budget plans as a member of the district's Financial Advisory Core Team; served on the district’s levy planning committee; and is a board member for the Issaquah Garage: A Teen Café, and Volunteers for Issaquah Schools. He advocates for a welcoming and inclusive learning community.

Mr. Taylor lives in the Cougar Mountain neighborhood of Issaquah with his wife and two children, one of whom attends Issaquah schools.  

Fun fact

Favorite Children’s Book: “Oh the Places You’ll Go,” by Dr. Seuss. 

Best Part:  all the memorable quotes!  “And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)”

I recommend young students read it because: it encourages readers to find the success that lies within, no matter what challenges they face.

As the first person in her family to graduate from college, Marnie Maraldo believes in the power of education. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics from Liberty University before beginning her professional career with the Ames Aerospace Encounter, a hands-on educational program for fourth, fifth, and sixth-graders at the NASA-Ames Research Center. She then spent almost a decade at various high-tech companies, including her position as a Project Manager for Cisco Systems before making the decision to stay at home full-time with her family. She has a two children who came through the Issaquah School District, one graduated from Liberty High School and one from Gibson Ek High School.  Mrs. Maraldo has served in many PTSA leadership capacities and is also is active in Cub Scouts, Stand for Children, and The City Church.  She is currently the Executive Director of Influence the Choice.

Fun fact

Favorite children’s book: “A Wrinkle in Time” by Madeleine L'Engle.

Best part: When Mrs. Which tried to land on a two-dimensional world.

I recommend young students read it because: It is a fantastic story of finding your strengths and seeing how valuable you are if you'll just take the time to "grow into yourself."

Harlan Gallinger is a product of the Washington State public school system. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from the University of Puget Sound and then graduated from the University of Washington School of Medicine in 2007. He practices Emergency Medicine in the Multicare Health System, including Mary Bridge Children's Hospital. He believes strongly in serving the community, advocacy, and equity. His desire is that every student in the District has equal opportunity to rigorous curriculum and the necessary supports to be successful.

Dr. Gallinger's interests include early learning, youth mental health, equitable homework and grading practices and expanding community partnerships. He lives in Sammamish and has two children, one at Pine Lake Middle School and another at Skyline High School. 

Fun fact

Favorite children’s book: “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" by C.S. Lewis.

Best part: When Lucy reunites with Mr. Tumnus.

I recommend young students read it because: It is a classic children's book set in a fantasy world that sparks one's imagination, where good trumps evil and children are the heroes of the story.

When Sydne Mullings relocated from Chicago to Washington state, one of the key factors that drew her family to Issaquah was the ISD’s strong school performance as well as positive comments from families and colleagues with students in the District. With students at Pacific Cascade Middle School and Issaquah High School, Ms. Mullings brings more than sixteen years of experience serving on nonprofit boards with a focus on strategic planning, financial, oversight, and review of quality programs. Ms. Mullings has worked in Information Technology for more than 20 years with a keen interest in leveraging technology to enhance and support the lives of people who use it. She is currently General Manager of the Central Marketing Organization with Microsoft Corporation. Ms. Mullings has a bachelor’s degree in International Politics and a master’s degree in Human Computer Interaction. She and her family have lived in Issaquah since 2014.

Fun Fact

Favorite children’s book: "We Belong Together: A book about Adoption and Families," by Todd Parr

Best part: The end! The author ends the book this way: “There are lots of different ways to make a family. It just takes love.”

I recommend young students read it because: I hope that students recognize the beauty in different kinds of families and maybe see a bit of themselves too. 

As the son of two public school teachers, Matt Coyne has been a lifelong advocate of K-12 education. Mr. Coyne served on the Issaquah Schools Foundation Board for six years, two as board president. He also sat on the boards of the National Schools Foundation, Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank and the Garage (Issaquah teen center), and believes strong public schools are key contributors to strong communities. He is interested in supporting youth mental health, expanding special education services and providing greater support for teachers.

Mr. Coyne earned a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in business administration from Seattle University. He has worked in wealth management for more than 20 years, including leadership roles at The Private Bank at Wells Fargo and D.A. Davidson Trust Company, where he is currently the chief operating officer. His son attends Skyline High School, and his daughter goes to Pine Lake Middle School.

Fun fact

Favorite children’s book: “Miss Nelson is Missing!” by James Marshall.

Best part: The day when Miss Nelson returns to the class.

I recommend young students read it because: We should never take for granted the value of a strong educator because you never know when Miss Viola Swamp could be teaching your class!