Accused Marysville Middle School teacher released on bond

Paul “Matt” Chonka, 49, allegedly communicated with a 14-year-old for immoral purposes.

Paul “Matt” Chonka of Mount Vernon is a science teacher at Marysville Middle School. (Marysville Education Association)

Paul “Matt” Chonka of Mount Vernon is a science teacher at Marysville Middle School. (Marysville Education Association)

MARYSVILLE — A Marysville Middle School teacher accused of misconduct posted $10,000 bond over the weekend.

Paul Matthew Chonka, 49, of Mount Vernon, who is commonly known as Matt, is being investigated for communication with a minor for immoral purposes. He was arrested Friday by Marysville police, who allege that Chonka had inappropriate contact with a 14-year-old student.

Chonka was booked into the Snohomish County Jail early Saturday and released about 11 hours later, according to public records.

Chonka teaches science at the middle school, according to the Marysville School District website. He also worked for 10 years at Arts and Technology High School in Marysville. He transferred to the middle school two years ago, according to his professional profiles online.

His Facebook page says he is on the executive board for the teachers union, which did not immediately return messages Monday. The page also says he is a soccer coach and a married father of two.

He has no known criminal history in Washington.

A school district spokeswoman on Friday said Chonka has been placed on leave.

“The district takes all allegations of educator misconduct seriously and has policies and procedures in place to protect students and staff,” according to an email. “We expect all staff to adhere to these policies, which include maintaining professional boundaries with students at all times.”

The spokeswoman said the district will not be providing any other information.

The girl told someone about the allegations, and police got involved, according to Marysville investigators. She reported having conversations with the teacher that caused concern, “as well as at least one pre-arranged meeting, all of which occurred shortly after summer vacation commenced.”

Detectives have not found any evidence of sexual assault, police said. No additional potential victims have been identified.

Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @rikkiking.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Olivia Vanni / The Herald 
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County.
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mukilteo mayor vetoes council-approved sales tax

The tax would have helped pay for transportation infrastructure, but was also set to give Mukilteo the highest sales tax rate in the state.

South County Fire plans push-in ceremony for newest fire engine

Anybody who attends will have the opportunity to help push the engine into the station.

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Marysville council approves interim middle housing law

The council passed the regulations to prevent a state model code from taking effect by default. It expects to approve final rules by October.

x
State audit takes issue with Edmonds COVID grant monitoring

The audit report covered 2023 and is the third since 2020 that found similar issues with COVID-19 recovery grant documentation.

Bothell
Bothell man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of Marysville middle schoolers

The man allegedly sexually assaulted three students in exchange for vapes and edibles in 2022. His sentencing is set for Aug. 29.

Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

Compass Health plans to open its new behavioral health center in August. Nearly all of the nonprofit’s patients rely on Medicaid.

A car drives past a culvert blocked by grass along 123rd Avenue NE on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Little Pilchuck salmon project gets boost from $4.6M state grant

Washington’s Recreation and Conservation Office announced Tuesday that Snohomish… Continue reading

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

Image provided by Snohomish County PUD
The three potential routes for a new transmission line between Maltby and Paradise. Construction is set to begin in 2028.
Snohomish County PUD plans open house to discuss new transmission line

The public utility will discuss three possible routes on July 31 for a new line between Maltby and Paradise.

Traffic slows as it moves around the bend of northbound I-5 through north Everett on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Paving project will close I-5 lanes in Everett

Crews will close up to 4 lanes overnight for weeks to complete the $8.1 million repairs.

Logo for news use featuring the municipality of Snohomish in Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Snohomish man, who trained extremists, sentenced for illegal gun possession

An FBI investigation revealed Benton posted violent extremist content, neo-Nazi propaganda, and anti-Semitic materials on social media.

‘Voter friendly’ election ballots set to go out for Snohomish County voters

Materials will include some changes to make the process easier to vote in Aug. 5 primary.

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.