The Executive Committee of the Legislative District 28 Republican Party stands in support of our Precinct Committeemen, Rebecca Proudfit and Jeff Tobey, for their service and leadership on the Peoria Unified School District Governing Board.
The crimes committed against students by the former teachers were vile and completely unacceptable. Those individuals were removed from the classroom and immediately referred to the Peoria Police Department. We support full accountability for anyone who violated the law or failed to protect students.
After these events became public, concerns were raised about whether mandatory reporting laws had been properly followed by school administrators. Those concerns were reviewed by the appropriate authorities. Additional related investigations remain ongoing, and we believe those investigations should proceed without political interference or public speculation.
During this process, Mr. Tobey and Mrs. Proudfit followed the guidance and recommendations of local law enforcement and the prosecuting attorneys to protect the integrity of active investigations and ensure justice is pursued appropriately and lawfully. They maintain their position that active investigations must be protected so that justice can be fully carried out and criminal cases are not jeopardized.
At times, emotions surrounding this issue have run understandably high. Even so, leadership requires discipline. It requires separating facts from speculation and making decisions carefully while investigations are still underway.
We have seen the accusations suggesting that Mrs. Proudfit and Mr. Tobey acted improperly or attempted to shield wrongdoing. Based on the information available to us, they worked to support law enforcement while also protecting the integrity of the investigative process. Their decisions were based on legal guidance and the facts available to them, not political pressure or online outrage.
Mr. Tobey and Mrs. Proudfit have served Legislative District 28 with integrity and have consistently defended conservative principles, the Constitution, and the rule of law. We are proud to stand with leaders who are willing to make difficult decisions responsibly, even when those decisions are unpopular.
Written and Signed by:
Peggy Jacobs, Chariman
Will Feirabend, 1st Vice Chair
Reuben Gonzales, 2nd Vice Chair
Corky Haynes, 3rd Vice Chair
Carisa Feirabend, Secretary
Matthew Owen, Treasurer