The Hill News

After an administrative error helped New Jersey lose out on about $400 million in federal education funds, the state requested Wednesday that the government grant it a lesser amount.

New Jersey Education Commissioner Bret Schundler wrote Secretary of Education Arne Duncan asking for $75 million in unallocated "Race to the Top" funds, noting that, had the error not been made, his state would have received much more grant money.

“I ask you to provide New Jersey with the requested $75 million in remaining funds not only for the sake of our children, but so we can more effectively model for all of America’s school systems how significantly our Race to The Top reforms can increase student learning,” Schundler wrote.

The letter came ! after the administration of Gov. Chris Christie (R) mistakenly filled out a portion of its "Race to the Top" application that cost the state almost five points on the ratings scale.

The five-point question asked for budget information comparing the 2008 and 2009 school years. But the state entered data comparing the current year to 2011 instead.

The incident gained national attention and sparked criticism of federal bureaucracy from Christie, who took responsibility for the mistake but blamed the Obama administration for costing the state because of red tape.

Schundler's letter includes prase for the state's education program.

Ten finalist states have been awarded "Race to the Top" grants though an application process, showing they will use the funds to implement reforms such as teacher performance standards and increasing charter schools. 

No appeals process exists for the grants.