Attleboro High School Receives Funding for New Lacrosse Team

A group of students and parents have received their wish and there will be lacrosse team for students next spring.

 “As every year goes by the need and the desire for this grows,” Attleboro High School Principal Jeff Newman said.

“I think we need it because in the fall we have opportunities for 400 students to play a sport, in spring it drops to around 200,” said Athletic Director Mark Houle, estimating that the boy's and girl's teams will likely have between 40 and 80 participants total.

The lacrosse booster club, led by Nancy Viera, had pushed for the creation of a lacrosse team that would be funded the same way as the school’s hockey team.

The cost would be spilt into thirds, one-third from fundraising, one-third from student fees and one-third from the school department.

Houle estimated the cost to be between $26,000 and $32,000. The amount approved by the School Committee would pay for the cost of the coach, who’s salary would likely range from $10,000 to $13,000.

Houle also estimated the student fees to be around $200 to $250.

While the committee was in favor of creating a lacrosse program, they were reluctant to approve the $10,000 in light of the budgetary constraints the committee has run into this year.

“I think it’s irresponsible to spend another $10,000 when we could be losing positions in our children’s education,” Helen Johnson said. 

“If we had the money it’d be nice to do, but we don’t,” Frances Zito said.

Michael Levinson had hoped to hold off on a decision regarding the funds until August when they would have a clearer picture of the budget.

Houle said they would have been able to start the program had a decision been left until August.

However, Viera expressed concerns about a delay saying “If we say we’re not going to find out until August people are going to lose interest. We’re going to lose donors.”

Ultimately the committee voted to approve the fund with Zito and Johnson abstaining from the vote. Levinson and Melissa Cook voted against it.

Committee Notes:

• Voted to approve final budget of $58.2 million
• Accepted the donation of an Amergraph Model V28-1200 SE plate maker with an estimated value of $1,500 from David Buttery of Minutemen Press in Johnston, Rhode Island to Attleboro High School
• Accepted the donation of $190.42 from Ahold Financial Services (Stop and Shop) to AHS to be deposited in the gifts and donations account
• Accepted the donation of a Gretsch guitar and practice amplifier valued at $350 from Sarah Coffin to the Wamsutta Music Department
• Accepted the donation of a Casio keyboard valued at $50 from the Berg Family to the Wamsutta Music Department
• Accepted the donation of a Ludwig drum set from Patricia Gustoffson to the Wamsutta Music Department