EAST PROVIDENCE — Right before discussing the legal ramifications of deficit spending to the tune of $3.2 million, the School Committee last night unanimously agreed to add lacrosse to the spring sports offerings.

Yet a former city councilman has agreed to raise or privately fund both the boys and girls programs for the first two years. The sport is estimated to cost $9,000 annually.

“If we can raise more funds, we will,” Patrick Caine and his wife, Joan, wrote in December. The letter was read aloud last night. Patrick Caine represented Ward 1 before the current councilman, Robert Cusack.

Caine was also in the audience. He told The Journal he was doing this because studies show students who play sports and participate in other extracurricular activities — such as the band, chorus or the drama club — have higher grade-point averages. He also said he “partially misses” being a councilman and therefore looks for ways to “do good.” And he also said his aid is for selfish reasons — his son, Andrew, a sophomore, plays lacrosse on the high school’s club team, which started two years ago.

The approval makes the club team now a Division II team within the interscholastic league.

“I want as many opportunities for the students as possible,” Caine said. “Those who play sports learn a whole lot more about life and I’m willing to support that financially and by effort.”

He also had statistics about lacrosse, such as it is the fastest growing sport in the country according to a 2006 survey by the United States Lacrosse National Headquarters in Baltimore, Md. The study said there were 253,931 lacrosse players nationally in 2001.

In 2006, the number was 426,022, an increase of 40 percent.

While examining data from the National Federation of State High School Associations, the Maryland organization also determined lacrosse has the fastest growth rate of any high school sport over the last 10 years. Bowling, water polo, ice hockey and soccer rounded out the top five.

In East Providence High School, the school’s athletic director Paul Amaral said 61 students (39 boys and 22 girls) played in the men’s and women’s club lacrosse teams last spring.

“That letter really frames the enthusiasm of the sport,” Amaral said.

Caine also presented a petition signed by more than 300 students and parents.

Financing seemed to be the major concern for the school officials, although one committee member, Stephen DeCastro, said he was sure the district could come up with $9,000 even if Caine didn’t donate the money. School Committee Chairwoman Mildred Morris also said she’s positive the difference between what Caine provides and what is needed, if there is any balance, could be raised quickly.

Immediately before the unanimous vote, Caine added, “You have my guarantee we’ll make this happen.”

apina@projo.com