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School committee members recognized Superintendent James McCormick and Associate Superintendent Mary Waight as they prepare to retire at the end of the month.

Each was given a plaque in commemoration of their service to the district.

School Committee member Joseph Sciacca Jr. said he knows that McCormick has always worked towards "what's best for the kdis." McCormick has worked in the district for 27 years and in Sciacca's word has "inspired both fear and respect in both the adults and the kids of the district."

School Committee Chairwoman Theresa Morse helped recognize Waight for her work in the district since 1981.

"If I was one-tenth of the person this woman is my mother would be proud," Morse said. Both McCormick and Waight said they had made a good team and each had a hard time believing it was ending.

"I think it's been a good ride," McCormick said. "I've been very honored."

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 The district also honored William Smith for reaching his 45 Anniversary as an employee with the district.

Smith started in 1961 as a teacher at the Main Street School in Pepperrell. He was worked as the principal of Ashby Elementary School and is now serving as the part-time Title 1 director. "I can remember my first day like it was yesterday," Smith said.

Smith will receive a North Middlesex chair, a plaque and an accommodation from the state House of Representatives.

"As Title 1 director, I still get to work with kids," Smith said of the job he hopes to hold for a few more years.

 The committee approved the school improvement plans for Spaulding Memorial School, Ashby Elementary School, Varnum Brook Elementary School and North Middlesex Regional High School.

 Spaulding Memorial School Principal Gwen Warwick presented the new reading program that students from kindergarten to fifth grade will use next year.

The program will use books from Scott Foresman publishing company. She said the reading program will be an integrated language program that incorporates spelling, grammar and vocabulary as well as reading.

Warwick said the reading program will be consistent across the district and will probably be around for 10 to 12 years.

Next meeting Monday, July 10 at North Middlesex Regional High School at 7:30 p.m.