Poll Results: Majority of Voters Want Allstate to 'Re-Gift' Funds to D31

After more than $1 million in cuts and one failed referendum to raise property taxes, some community members are taking a stab at a second attempt to bring funds back to West Northfield School District 31.

Among the financial challenges in D31 are millions of dollars in property tax appeals from District 31’s biggest property tax payer, Allstate Insurance. The district is currently fighting a $7.4 million appeal from Allstate for the tax years 2004 - 2006, of which District 31’s share would be roughly $2.4 million. Another appeal for the tax years 2007- 2009 is on its way, Superintendent Alexendra Nicholson said at a recent board meeting.

As part of pro-referendum efforts, Citizens for District 31's Political Action Committee have promoted placing public pressure on the insurance giant.

Many suggested zeroing in on Northbrook-based Allstate in hopes of encouraging a ‘re-gifting’ of some or all of the tax rebate money—similar to what Abbot Laboratories did with it’s local school district, Citizens for District 31 spokesman Phil Hollenberg pointed out.

Last week, we asked readers to sound off. 122 readers voted, and 81% said that Allstate should 're-gift' some of the tax rebate funds. The other 18% felt the company received the money fair and sqaure.

Didn't get a chance to vote in our poll? Join the conversation , leave a comment below or share your thoughts on Facebook.