LaSalle Prep air‑quality checks and failing generator prompt emergency project discussion

Administrators reported a recent air‑quality concern at LaSalle Preparatory School and described multiple rounds of testing by district staff, the Niagara Falls Fire Department, STOL Environmental and BOCES safety staff. The district said it compiled a detailed log of atmospheric measurements and that preliminary reports showed indoor levels of carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds that were lower than outdoor readings during sampling.

Superintendent Mark Lohrey thanked staff, first responders and outside contractors for their rapid response and said the district commissioned multiple tests and analyses to locate a source; investigators have not identified a definitive cause. The district recorded multiple meters and logged readings over time; administrators said they would make more detailed reports available to staff and the board and pursue follow‑up questions the LaSalle faculty submitted.

Separately, administrators requested the board approve an emergency capital resolution to replace LaSalle’s backup generator. Officials said the existing generator had been repaired multiple times and failed again 48 hours after it was taken offline; the engineer’s preliminary estimate presented to the board was about $300,000. District staff said they intend to apply for 98% State building aid for the replacement and asked the board to pass an emergency resolution authorizing the project so the state application can be submitted.

Facilities staff outlined the intended generator scope: improve kitchen panel capacity so refrigeration (including a walk‑in cooler and freezer), key card backup systems and a greater share of essential systems can be powered during an outage. Board members asked whether the generator could power most of the building; staff said code requires emergency lighting coverage and that additional systems could be added but would increase cost and size.

Administrators also noted that Abbott and Cataract schools are next in line for generator consideration in the district’s five‑year capital plan. The board did not vote on the project at this meeting; members were advised they will see the emergency project resolution and supporting paperwork before a vote.