Gov. Christie fires N.J. education chief over costly clerical error

New Jersey lost $400 million in federal grants because of a clerical error in applying for the education program.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie on Friday fired state Education Commissioner Bret Schundler after the state lost $400 million in federal grants.

Christie fired Schundler after the Republican refused to resign over an error made by his department that cost the state federal education grants.

"I was extremely disappointed to learn that the videotape of the Race to the Top presentation was not consistent with the information provided to me by the New Jersey Department of Education and which I then conveyed to the people of New Jersey," Christie said in a statement. "As a result, I ordered an end to Bret Schundler’s service as New Jersey’s Education Commissioner and as a member of my administration."

The dispute arose over the state's application for federal "Race to the Top" education grant funding. An error made by a state education department worker cost New Jersey enough points on the application to push them out of the top 10 finalists to receive funding.

Christie on Wednesday acknowledged clerical errors made by his administration were to blame for losing out on the funds, but blamed the Obama administration for not allowing New Jersey to correct the mistake. New Jersey also formally requested unallocated "Race to the Top" funds.

The U.S. Department of Education released a video on Thursday showing Schundler and others failing to provide accurate budget information during a presentation, which appeared to contradict Christie's claim.

Christie said the firing was an example of him holding his administration accountable.

“As I have said before, I never promised the people of New Jersey that this would be a mistake-free administration. However, I did promise that the people serving in my administration would be held accountable for their actions," he said. "As I said on Wednesday, I am accountable for what occurs in my administration. I regret this mistake was made and will do all I can to have my administration avoid them in the future.”

Schundler told the Newark Star-Ledger that he asked to be fired, instead of resigning, so that he could collect unemployment benefits while searching for a new job.

"I asked if they would mind writing a termination letter, instead of a resignation letter, because I do have a mortgage to pay, and I do have a daughter who’s just started college,” he said. “And I, frankly, will need the unemployment insurance benefits until I find another job. ... And they said fine. They said sure."

Christie spokesman Michael Drewniak responded late Friday, calling Schundler's account "revisionist history."

“We regret that Mr. Schundler continues to sully his own image by engaging in revisionist history," he said. "His attempts to cover up misleading the governor are evidenced by the contrast between his letter to Secretary Duncan, in which he describes making a verbal clarification at the presentation, and the video released by the U.S. Department of Education. Mr. Schundler was the administration’s only source for what occurred in the 'Race to the Top' presentation. All of the governor’s statements were based on Mr. Schundler’s account."

Video is provided below, courtesy of the Star-Ledger:

—This post was updated at 1:09 p.m., 2:34 p.m. and at 5:58 p.m.