The state’s highest ranking education official asked to be fired instead of resign, in order to collect unemployment. Following the fallout of New Jersey’s failed bid to win the “Race to the Top,” Bret Schundler was asked to resign. Schundler said his family was not in good enough financial positioning and asked to be fired. Gov. Chris Christie agreed and he was terminated from his position. The New Jersey Education Association came to the aid of Schundler, saying he was made to be the “scapegoat” and it was Christie’s mistake.