De Pere School Board candidate has history of calling board members names, emails show

DE PERE — De Pere School Board candidate Joel Neuville has a history of calling school board members names like "weenie," "evil" and "big dumb jock," according to Neuville's emails to the board obtained by the Press-Gazette.

This comes as the board is set to vote next month on hiring a consulting firm to train members in decorum, after board member Brittony Cartwright accused President Adam Clayton of bullying and disrespect in December.

Neuville sent a June 8 email to Clayton, Superintendent Christopher Thompson, board member Jeff Mirkes and Dan Van Straten, a board member at the time, criticizing the board's response to COVID-19.

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He called former board president David Youngquist a "weenie" and former superintendent Benjamin Villarruel the "little evil one," referring to how the two responded when he asked to talk to Youngquist about masking.

"Weenie David x2 had the Little Evil One (Ben) reach out on his behalf," Neuville wrote.

He blames the board for causing the youth mental health crisis because of its decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as requiring masks, he wrote in the email.

"They pushed/coerced the jab on kids and staff and this has turned into a global genocide event," Neuville wrote.

In that same email, Neuville called former board member Mark Meneau a "pathetic evil human" and Clayton a "fool."

"The good news is, most of the COVID CREW are gone!!! (still in shock that Mark wanted a second crack at hurting kids — so glad he lost again! What a pathetic evil human!)"

He then went on to call Van Straten, who was a board member at the time, a big dumb jock.

"To me it feels like you are the 'popular big dumb jock' — sorry you are not dumb, but like I've said, the decisions you made were very extremely poor — down right stupid!" Neuville wrote.

Neuville provided the Press-Gazette with the following statement in response to questions about how he would handle disagreements with board members, if elected, and his stance on the school board's actions during the pandemic:

The emails you reference are not a representation of me or how I would act if elected to the board. The emails exchanged refer to a profoundly difficult time during the pandemic. I reacted emotionally to past/exiting board members/superintendent that made decisions — that in my opinion, socially, mentally and academically impacted my children and others that attend De Pere schools.

While I regret the manner of those email exchanges, the more serious matter is school district policies that did/can/do adversely impact our children and community. In fact, it was just that time when I considered that I should get directly involved in helping guide these important policy decisions rather than simply reacting to them.

Since COVID, I have dedicated substantial time to focus on School Board decisions by making my voice heard as a parent, providing feedback to guide policy decisions to ensure the interests of our children and community come first. Frankly, I believe I have the skills to do this School Board thing better than those I will replace.

It is crucial to shift our attention to the real issues at hand though: policies, curriculum and referendums that have significant implications for our children, our finances and our community. If elected, I am committed to upholding and preserving the traditional values of De Pere, ensuring responsible spending and financial competency and safeguarding the voices and choices of parents.

Neuville is on the April 2 ballot along with Scott Hemauer, Matt Petersen and Brandy Tollefson, hoping to earn one of the two open seats on the board. He is endorsed by the Republican Party of Brown County.

Danielle DuClos is a Report for America corps member who covers K-12 education for the Green Bay Press-Gazette. Contact her at [email protected]. Follow on Twitter @danielle_duclos. You can directly support her work with a tax-deductible donation at GreenBayPressGazette.com/RFA or by check made out to The GroundTruth Project with subject line Report for America Green Bay Press Gazette Campaign. Address: The GroundTruth Project, Lockbox Services, 9450 SW Gemini Drive, PMB 46837, Beaverton, Oregon 97008-7105.

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: De Pere School Board candidate has history of name calling, emails show