ROCKFORD - (WIFR) Just about every student we could see at West Middle School has their shirt tucked in, they're prompt to class, and without a doubt, getting their first lesson of the day on school rules.

"What we say to students is be respectful, be responsible and be ready to learn. We're taking the discipline code and we're taking a look at it, but we're really believing in progressive discipline," Principal, Alex Brewington said.

Supt. Dr. Lavonne Sheffield said the district beefed up it's behavior modification program designed to keep kids in school. If a student misbehaves, school leaders will explain to a student what was done wrong and show them proper behavior.

"Putting a kid out of school doesn't teach a new behavior. So, we're continuing it, we've ramped it up, we've done training, we're working with our counselors to do a development counseling model," Sheffield said.

District leaders are also using a positive behavior method where more supervision is placed where they know problems will occur. They're also considering offering Saturday school for those who are suspended. This way kids don't miss anything. Concerned parents like Surenia Redd agree with this policy.

"I was always one of the parents when mine did do something wrong, I would have them pick up trash in the school yard or whatever, but school is where they need to be," Redd said.

The district has also added measures to their discipline code. There are now four definitions of a weapon instead of one. And the definition of a staff assault matches Illinois school code.

Another big challenge facing District 205 is a 40-million dollar budget deficit. Leaders said they're looking everywhere to save. Dr. Sheffield said she plans to cut the deficit ‘significantly’ by October and November. The district is getting a $7.5 million dollar grant from the federal government.

This is also the first year Visualize 2015 will be implemented. There's also changes to personnel. Some lost their jobs in Sheffield's restructuring plan, while 150 others were welcomed new to District 205.