The Hill News

New Jersey narrowly lost out on $400 million in federal "Race to the Top" education funding this week in part because of an administrative error.

The Newark Star-Ledger reported Tuesday night that the administration of Gov. Chris Christie (R) mistakenly filled out a portion of its application that cost the state nearly 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.

Here is more from the Star-L! edger:

That mistake cost the state 4.8 points. The state lost points in other areas as well, the records show.

In the end, New Jersey received 437.8 out of a possible 500 points, placing it 11th in the competition, just behind Ohio, which received $400 million and was the last state to receive funding. The winners of the $4.35 billion competition were announced today in Washington, D.C.

"New Jersey did not supply the 2008-2009 data as required and therefore forfeits the points," said the report from one of the federal reviewers scoring the competition.

The Obama administration announced this week that nine states and Washington, D.C. ! would share $3.4 billion in education funding provided by the ! "Race to the Top" program as the 10 finalists.

New Jersey finished in 11th place behind Ohio, which was awarded $400 million.

States must apply for the grants by showing they will use the funds to implement reforms such as teacher performance standards and increasing charter schools. 

According to the Star-Ledger, there is no appeals process for the grants. Gov. Christie signed the application the application on June 1.

New Jersey's bid touted tenure reform, merit pay and school choice.

The first phase of the grants were awarded earlier this year.