Newark schools award $700,000 hospitality

The Newark Board of Education unanimously awarded a $700,000 contract to a local funeral home director to train students in hotel and food-service business leadership. The three-year deal with Carolyn Whigham, which runs through June 2029 with an option for a two-year renewal, was recommended by Superintendent Roger León.

Neither Whigham nor the district would answer questions from NJ Spotlight News about her credentials for the hospitality training role. They also declined to disclose details of her "Developing Next-Level Awareness" program or explain how she was selected. Whigham's online biography lists degrees in mortuary science, divinity, and pastoral counseling but shows no teaching expertise or leadership roles in hotels, restaurants, or tourism.

Some experts and a local union official find the arrangement unusual. "It's absolutely hysterical," said Michael Iovino, secretary-treasurer of the Newark Teachers Union, of the plan for teacher training led by a mortician. He suggested a more logical choice would be someone from hotel administration.

Experts raise red flags over qualifications and spending

Shaun Dougherty, a Boston College professor of education and policy, said the contract "definitely raises red flags." With 15 years of research in career and technical education, he worries it could represent a return to low-value programs. He said officials "might have a real hard time answering your questions" about tangible student benefits.

The deal comes amid intense scrutiny of district finances under León. Critics have pointed to lavish spending, including a $500 million elementary school lease and a staff "fun day" flagged by the state as a misuse of funds. The district's budget for 2026-27 is $1.67 billion, with over 80% coming from state taxpayers.

The district heavily redacted Whigham's proposal when providing it via a public records request. It is not known if she will act as the classroom instructor, subcontract the work, or pay herself a large salary. Her proposal states the program "prepares students for early exposure to the hospitality industry, including food service, event management, tourism and hotel operations."

Industry credentials show mixed results in district

Vocational programs allow students to earn industry-recognized credentials, but quality varies. In Newark, credential attainment rates at existing schools are low. According to the source, recent data shows:

Newark Vocational High School already has a hospitality and tourism program. Fewer than 10% of its students could do math on grade level, and only about 40% read proficiently. Experts note widespread challenges in vocational education, including difficulty finding licensed teachers and students failing to pass final tests.

Contract awarded after competitive process

Of 41 vendors asked to submit bids, 22 responded. Whigham's proposal was ranked fourth, securing one of five awards for student enrichment and teacher development. District evaluators praised her prospective program for "building essential soft skills" like empathy and leadership, saying it aligns with hospitality and tourism curricula.

In her proposal, Whigham cited prior work with the Newark school board and city teens as evidence of effectiveness, noting "positive participant feedback." She has hosted a retreat for the school board and a summer program for Newark teens at her property. Her funeral home has handled services for high-profile figures, including Whitney Houston and the mother of Superintendent Roger León.

John Hillard, a retired career and technical education expert, called it "totally unusual" for a district vocational program to be run by someone with unrelated expertise. State-approved tracks typically require certified teachers and lead to specific industry credentials. A state education department spokesperson confirmed Whigham's program is not a state-approved track for high-skill occupations.

The program could start at five schools. According to her proposal, the curriculum meets state standards by focusing on requirements for hospitality jobs, such as demonstrating leadership and collaboration. It also claims to align with standards for guest communications and safety risks in kitchens and hotels.