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Wednesday, September 8, 2010

NorthJersey.com: Official says he flagged Race to the Top error six days before presentation

NorthJersey.com: Official says he flagged Race to the Top error six days before presentation
Official says he flagged Race to the Top error six days before presentation
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
STATE HOUSE BUREAU
STATE HOUSE BUREAU

A Newark Public Schools official who helped present New Jersey's Race to the Top application in Washington, D.C., said today he flagged a crucial error less than a week before the presentation - but was told by consultants there was no chance to correct an answer after the deadline.

Ex Education Chief Bret Schundler and Chris Christie in happier times.
FILE PHOTO
Ex Education Chief Bret Schundler and Chris Christie in happier times.

Dan Gohl, in charge of innovation and change in Newark schools, said he noticed the error six days before the presentation but he did not tell former Education Commissioner Bret Schundler or others in the state education department about the error.

Speaking at an Assembly committee hearing on the failed grant application, Gohl said he was told "anything that was submitted on June 1 timestamped a final document, and that's all we can speak to" in the presentation.

When asked why he didn't raise the issue with other officials in the state, Gohl