Lincoln-Way North to Host TV Pilot Filming Under $210,000 Rental Deal

Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Meeting | May 21, 2026

Article Summary: The Lincoln-Way District 210 Board of Education on Thursday, May 21, 2026, unanimously approved a rental agreement allowing a television production company to use the academic portion of the shuttered Lincoln-Way North High School to film a pilot episode, generating $70,000 per month for the district’s capital projects fund.

Lincoln-Way North Rental Key Points:

• A television production company will rent the academic wing of Lincoln-Way North from approximately May 22 through Aug. 14, 2026, paying $17,500 per week, or $70,000 per month, for a total of $210,000.
• Revenue goes into the non-operating Fund 60 (Capital Projects Fund) for future buildings-and-grounds improvements.
• The Frankfort Square Park District, the district’s marching band, and auditorium rentals will continue in their existing areas of the building during filming.
• The agreement could be extended for roughly two years beginning in November 2026 if the show is picked up.

NEW LENOX — The Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Board of Education on Thursday, May 21, 2026, unanimously approved a rental agreement allowing a television production company to use the academic portion of Lincoln-Way North High School to film a pilot episode, in a deal officials described as fully covering the building’s carrying costs while bringing an economic boost to the area.

Assistant Superintendent Michael Duback, who took the lead on the agreement, told the board the rental fits within the district’s typical use of the North building, which has hosted Lockport High School, the Lincoln-Way marching band, auditorium rentals, and the Frankfort Square Park District since the school closed. “We’ve kept life in the building,” he said.

Under the agreement, the production company would rent the middle, academic section of the building from approximately May 22 through Aug. 14, 2026 — about three months — while the park district and Lincoln-Way groups remain active in their areas. The company would pay $17,500 per week, or $70,000 per month, for a total of $210,000, according to the board memo. The revenue will be placed in the non-operating Fund 60 Capital Projects Fund for future buildings-and-grounds improvements.

Carrying Costs and Financial Protections

Duback emphasized the rent is structured to cover the building’s expenses. The district’s carrying cost to heat, cool, clean, and condition the empty building runs “right around 60,000 a year,” with the district averaging between $60,000 and $65,000 plus some maintenance — figures that led to the $70,000-per-month rate.

He outlined two protective clauses. The building is being rented “as is,” meaning costs for added services such as nightly custodial staff or phones would be passed through directly to the renter. Additionally, the base rent is set on the last 12 months of carrying costs, but the district will review it monthly and invoice the company separately for any increases in utilities and carrying costs.

One board member confirmed the arrangement: “This rent that we’re getting 100% covers and it puts a few bucks in our pocket,” he said, with administrators affirming the company would pay any utility increases on top.

The revenue would help the district’s capital improvement plan, which administrators said has needs exceeding what the district can afford each year. Duback noted the upcoming year’s budget is “the tightest it’s been” in terms of transfers, and the rental would supplement other projects.

Logistics and Local Economic Impact

Duback said the district worked with its bond counsel, Chapman and Cutler LLP, which issued an opinion letter finding the mixed public-private use appropriate. The agreement includes indemnification, insurance, and building-preservation language requiring the company to leave the facility in the same or better condition.

Officials said the production could bring up to 500 people to the building at different times, providing an economic benefit through hotel stays, food, and fuel, and that the company has asked for a list of local vendors and partners rather than shipping supplies from Chicago. Board members raised questions about parking and exterior use for mobile changing units, and Duback said company representatives would visit the site in the coming weeks to refine parking and door access.

The initial rental for the pilot would run through about mid-August, followed by a hold period from roughly mid-August to early November during which the company would pay for storage but not occupy the building. The company could give 30 days’ notice to return and film additional episodes if the show is picked up. Administrators said they do not see the arrangement extending beyond two years and that it would not preclude longer-term plans for the property, including ongoing conversations about potential acquisition or use as a special-needs school.

The motion to approve the rental agreement was made by Olejnik and seconded by Deadra W. Stokes, and passed unanimously.