On May 19, 2008, a public hearing regarding the Buffalo Public Schools' "Contract for Excellence" planning for next year was held at the Makowski School #99. However, the date of the meeting was never placed on the calendar of the district's website. Families of the school children were not notified until the night before the meeting via an automated telephone call. This same automated phone calling system notified the families of what ranking City Honors High School received by Newsweek well before notifying about this public hearing. Parents and community activists showed their outrage of the fact that they were not given enough notice on the meeting, and therefore, not prepared to write their speeches and present feedback for this contract plan. Parents felt that the district is continuing to "shut out" any of thier concerns, so that the district can run "business as usual." Whether or not it means progress for student success. Signs were made and displayed by members of the New York State Alliance for Quality Education (Buffalo Region).