Marysville school official Kundu resigns before meeting

MARYSVILLE — School board member Michael Kundu resigned from office Monday without addressing the controversy over race that forced his premature exit.

His departure came three weeks to the day after the board unanimously asked him to step down for “inexcusable” comments connecting racial genetics to learning ability.

Kundu e-mailed his resignation letter to the school board shortly before its Monday night meeting. He did not specify a reason for his resignation, which was accepted without comment 4-0 by the board. He did not attend the meeting.

Instead, he focused his resignation letter on accomplishments. He first won office in 2003 and was re-elected to a four-year term in November.

He singled out his work for minority students and encouraged the board to add a permanent seat for a tribal member.

The district has nearly 12,000 students. About 9 percent are American Indian. The school board has had tribal members in the past, but none currently.

“I have discussed and pursued this goal for a number of years unsuccessfully, but still hold firm that such a permanent position would only benefit the communication, engagement and accountability between the district leadership and the Tulalip students,” he wrote.

The Tulalip Tribes were among several groups seeking Kundu’s resignation. Tulalip Tribal chairman Mel Sheldon was at the school board meeting Monday.

“He did the right thing,” Sheldon said. “Now we can go on and heal from this whole episode and get back to education.”

Kundu ignited a firestorm of criticism in early June when he argued in two e-mails that racial genetics play a “definitive factor” in intelligence.

The remarks came during a broader discussion among school officials on the achievement gap — the way minority groups sometimes are perceived to lag behind their peers in school.

He cited a study by a controversial Canadian psychologist ranking the intellect of the races to support his point.

After the e-mails became public, dozens of people filled school board meetings in protest. Some carried signs with slogans such as “Kundu Can’t Do.” Some threatened a recall election. Most asked for him to leave office.

Kundu at first defended his remarks as free speech, but also issued some apologies.

He called the study he cited the work of a racist. He said he regretted damaging the self-esteem of minority students. In his resignation letter, he urged the board to “aggressively pursue the best available science” to aid student achievement.

While he now has left office, hurt remains over his e-mails.

Monikka Mann, 33, has three daughters attending Marysville schools. She said damage from Kundu’s comments will linger. She remains concerned that poisonous ideas exist in the district.

“Just because he’s stepping down doesn’t mean this issue is over,” she said.

Andy Rathbun: 425-339-3455; arathbun@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Fosse will not seek reelection; 2 candidates set to run for her seat

Mason Rutledge and Sam Hem announced this week they will seek the District 1 City Council position.

Lynnwood
Lynnwood police arrest two males in shooting at Swift bus

Man, 19, is booked for investigation of attempted murder. 17-year-old held at Denney Juvenile Justice Center on similar charges.

K-POP Empire store owners Todd Dickinson and Ricky Steinlars at their new store location on Thursday, April 17, 2025 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Lynnwood K-pop store wary of new tariffs

Much of the store’s merchandise, which arrives from China and South Korea, is facing new import fees.

Fire department crews rescue climber after 100-foot fall near Index

The climber was flown to Providence Regional Medical Center Everett with non-life-threatening injuries.

Janet Garcia walks into the courtroom for her arraignment at the Snohomish County Courthouse on Monday, April 22, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett mother found competent to stand trial in stabbing death of 4-year-old son

A year after her arraignment, Janet Garcia appeared in court Wednesday for a competency hearing in the death of her son, Ariel Garcia.

Everett council member to retire at end of term

Liz Vogeli’s retirement from the council opens up the race in the November election for Everett’s District 4 seat.

Washington State Department of Commerce Director Joe Nguyễn speaks during the Economic Alliance Snohomish County’s Annual Meeting and Awards events on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 in Tulalip, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Commerce boss: How Washington state can make it easier for small businesses

Joe Nguyen made the remarks Wednesday during the annual meeting of the Economic Alliance Snohomish County and the Snohomish County Awards

Logo for news use featuring Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Snohomish County Council toughens enforcement on nuisance RVs

Any RV parked on public roads in unincorporated Snohomish County for more than 72 hours will be at risk of impoundment.

Ryan Bisson speaks to seniors attending a transit workshop hosted by Community Transit on Friday, May 2, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Will Geschke / The Herald)
Community Transit helps seniors navigate buses, trains

A number of workshops hosted by the Snohomish County agency teach older adults how to most effectively ride public transit.

Valley View Middle School eighth grader Maggie Hou, 14, a NASA’s annual “Power to Explore” challenge finalist on Thursday, May 1, 2025 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Local students make finals in NASA competition

NASA’s Power to Explore Challenge asks students to create a mission to a moon using radioisotope power systems.

Snohomish County Superior Courthouse in Everett, Washington on February 8, 2022.  (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Snohomish County, 7 local governments across US, sue Trump administration

The lawsuit alleges the administration put unlawful conditions on funding that includes $17M to the county for homelessness assistance.

Photo courtesy of Tulalip Resort Casino
The creamy chicken verde enchiladas at World Flavors, located in The Kitchen at Quil Ceda Creek Casino.
A dish to celebrate Cinco de Mayo

The creamy chicken verde enchiladas at World Flavors, located in The Kitchen at Quil Ceda Creek Casino, are a tasty treat year round.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.