By KAREN KENNEDY-HALL
Courier-Post Staff
MEDFORD LAKES

Real estate agent Marie Holmes of Medford Lakes says she' s part of the rising number of couples here without children.

"My fiance and I have been living in my house for two years and we intend to get married," said Holmes. The couple does not plan to raise a family.

According to the U.S. Census bureau, there was a 3.8 percent decrease in the number of homes without families and a 250 percent increase in the number of unwed partners living in homes along borough trails.

At the same time, the number of children ages 5 - 14 dropped by 2 percent, though you couldn't tell it from enrollments at the borough's two elementary schools.

Medford Lakes 5-14 population

1990: 636 2000: 623 Change: -2% Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Interim school Superintendent Charles McGlone said enrollment has been ebbing higher. Despite the shift of who is living in Medford Lakes, the schools are continuing with plans to expand, renovate and improve their curriculum.

Area real estate agents said they have noticed the small shift away from the dominance of families in the borough.

Mike Alessi, owner of Borden-Alessi Realty Inc. in Medford, said he as seen a rising number of unwed partners who have been buying homes here.

"The unmarried couples are buying a house instead of paying rent," he said.

The small borough had a population of 4,173 in 2000, has no apartments or townhouses and no land left open for development. Also the number of senior citizens rose during the decade by 26 percent overall, according to census figures. Many residents remain here as empty nesters to enjoy the relaxed lifestyle the borough was founded upon.

Many new homeowners, though, included engaged couples, like Holmes, an agent with Re/Max Suburban, said Alessi.

While the 2000 Census figures show a decline in the number of children under 14, the population of the two public elementary schools has actually been rising slowly but steadily, due in some measure to the addition of a a a a a prekindergarten program in the mid- to late-1990s, educators said.

At the end of the school year in June, the Nokomis School, which houses the preschool through second grade, had a population of 194, while the Neeta School with students in grades 3-8, had 346 students, totaling 540 students.

Class sizes have been kept at an average of 20 students, said Karen Rockhill, principal of both schools. Each grade level has three classes, the largest grade last school year was sixth, with 22, 22 and 21 students, respectively, and the smallest was the first grade at 17 for each class.

In January, voters approved a $7.2 million referendum for improvements to both schools. The only new construction will be the addition of an all-purpose room at the larger Neeta School.

"Capacity isn't an issue for us," said Diana Schiraldicq, business administrator for the school district. "We will be improving the common areas, modernizing the facilities."

"At this time, the existing facility has the capacity to accommodate additional students," said McGlone. I don't anticipate any new referendum in the near future."

This school year, administrators have planned enhancements and additions to the curriculum.

The world language program, which has been part of the state core curriculum since 1996, will be expanded. The Spanish teacher will move from classroom to classroom.

"We want the teachers to be part of the lesson and learn right along with the children," said Rockhill.

The district's gifted and talented program will be enhanced this year, too, said Rockhill.

The work place readiness program will also be expanded to include financial literacy, said McGlone.

"The students will learn about money, savings, spending and long-term goals," he said. Students will also be exposed to using checking and savings accounts and learn the difference between a MAC card and a charge card.

The well-established music program will continue as an after-school enrichment program, Project Infinity, which is open to all students. Students will be able to join various clubs and the school newspaper, and this year broadcasting and fencing will also be offered, said McGlone.

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Reach Karen Kennedy-Hall at (856) 317-7828 or kkhall@courierpostonline.com

Today and Tomorrow stories:

• Medford Lakes: An oasis in the pines
  In Medford Lakes, change is subtle.

• More couples here without families
  Real estate agent Marie Holmes of Medford Lakes says she's part of the rising number of couples here without children.

• Carnival tradition continues
  The annual Canoe Carnival, which celebrated its 71st anniversary this month, should live on for at least another 71 years, according to participants and borough officials.

• Canoe Carnival 2002 draws nearly 5,000 revelers
  The 71st Annual Medford Lakes Canoe Carnival, a signature event in this small borough, was marked by excitement and also tinged with sorrow.

• As white pop. declines, minorities rise
  Medford Lakes' white population declined in the last decade, but the number of minority residents increased, according to U.S. Census figures.

• Medford Lakes strives to remain independent
  There's no supermarket, no liquor store, no library and no high school within the borough limits.

• Senior services lacking for surge in number of elderly
  A new boardwalk ramp on Beach 1 at Lower Aetna Lake was built this summer, allowing the disabled and senior citizens to safely walk to the water.

• What do you think will be different in Medford Lakes in 2010?

• Photo Gallery - Medford Lakes
  
• Video: Canoe Carnival 2002 - RealVideo | QuickTime