Robert Lupo, superintendent of Ridgewood High School in Norridge, stands on the roof garden. The field house and roof earned a Leed Gold certification for green building design. | Ryan Pagelow~Sun-Times Media

A senior yearbook photo of Robert Lupo from 1971 when he graduated from Ridgewood High School in Norridge. He later returned to teach at the school and has been superintendent of the school since 2003. | File photo

An architect for renovations at Ridgewood High School taped "The Big Kahuna" on Superintendent Robert Lupo's hard hat. Major renovations to Ridgewood High School should be completed by the fall of 2012. | Ryan Pagelow~Sun-Times Media

Robert Lupo, superintendent of Ridgewood High School in Norridge, stands by the school's seal which includes tiles decorated by students to celebrate the school's 50th anniversary two years ago. | Ryan Pagelow~Sun-Times Media

Robert Lupo, superintendent of Ridgewood High School in Norridge, walks through the new band room which opened to students two years ago. | Ryan Pagelow~Sun-Times Media

Robert Lupo, superintendent of Ridgewood High School in Norridge, stands in what will become his office space when renovations are completed. | Ryan Pagelow~Sun-Times Media

Robert Lupo, superintendent of Ridgewood High School in Norridge, is working out of a temporary office in a conference room until office renovations are completed at the school in 2012. | Ryan Pagelow~Sun-Times Media

Robert Lupo, superintendent of Ridgewood High School in Norridge, stands in the corridor which will become the main entrance for students in January when renovations are completed in the corridor. | Ryan Pagelow~Sun-Times Media

Robert Lupo, superintendent of Ridgewood High School in Norridge, talks with Principal Jennifer Kelsall in her office. | Ryan Pagelow~Sun-Times Media

A senior yearbook photo of Robert Lupo from 1971 when he was president of the Student Council at Ridgewood High School. He later returned to teach at the school and has been superintendent of the school since 2003. | File photo

Robert Lupo, superintendent of Ridgewood High School in Norridge, talks about an upcoming school board meeting with Mary Bruscato, an administrative assistant. | Ryan Pagelow~Sun-Times Media

Robert Lupo, superintendent of Ridgewood High School in Norridge, observes an English class next to seniors Gina Brindise and Mitchell LaRocco. Lupo grew up in Norridge and graduated from Ridgewood High School in 1971. | Ryan Pagelow~Sun-Times Media

Robert Lupo, superintendent of Ridgewood High School in Norridge, stands in the conference room where school board meetings are held. Lupo grew up in Norridge and graduated from Ridgewood High School in 1971. | Ryan Pagelow~Sun-Times Media