Department of Education spokesman Andy Jacob this evening confirmed that families of students applying to middle school for September 2009 will receive placement offers by mail "during the week of May 26." 

When asked why the news was delayed -- DOE's middle schools calendar originally stated parents would get news in mid-May -- Jacob replied, "We're mailing the offers next week because they will be ready next week. " 

The DOE website has been updatedto reflect the revised timeline.