Why a Newark Mortician Won a $700K School Training Deal

The first time Carolyn Jones heard about the new hospitality training program at her son’s high school, she was thrilled. A chance for him to learn hotel management and culinary skills? That could be a real path to a career. Then she learned who was running it: the same man who embalmed Whitney Houston.

That’s the story making rounds in Newark these days, and it’s raising more than a few eyebrows. The Newark Board of Education awarded a $700,000 contract to Carolyn Whigham, a local mortician known for handling funerals for celebrities and political figures, to provide hotel and food-service training at one of the city’s high schools.

Whigham, who runs Whigham Funeral Home on Central Avenue, is not a stranger to the community. For decades, his family has been the go-to for high-profile send-offs—everyone from Whitney Houston to city council members. But critics are asking: What does a funeral director know about running a hotel or teaching kids to cook?

Here’s what we know. The contract, which was approved earlier this year, is for a two-year program at East Side High School. It’s supposed to give students hands-on experience in hospitality and food service, with the goal of preparing them for jobs in Newark’s growing tourism and dining scene.

Whigham’s company, which also runs a catering and event space, will design the curriculum, bring in instructors, and manage the training. The district says it’s a chance to tap into local expertise and provide students with real-world skills. And Whigham’s supporters point to his event business as evidence that he knows the hospitality trade.

But the deal has drawn sharp criticism from some school board members and community activists. They argue that the bidding process was opaque, and that other vendors with more direct experience in hospitality education were passed over. ‘We’re not saying he’s a bad person,’ said one critic, who asked not to be named. ‘But this is a lot of money, and our kids deserve the best training we can get them.’

This isn’t the first time Newark Public Schools has faced questions about no-bid contracts or deals that seem to favor insiders. The district has a history of struggling with procurement oversight, and previous administrations have been criticized for awarding contracts to political allies and contributors.

Whigham is a prominent figure in Newark’s political and social circles. He’s hosted events for elected officials and has been photographed with governors and mayors. His funeral home has been a pillar of the community for over half a century, and he’s known for his generosity to local causes.

But that doesn’t automatically translate to expertise in education, say some parents. ‘I want my son to learn from people who’ve done this work in hotels and restaurants, not from someone who’s mostly known for handling funerals,’ said Jones, who has a sophomore at East Side High. ‘It’s just weird.’

The district, for its part, insists the process was above board. In a statement, a spokesperson said the contract was awarded after a competitive request for proposals, and that Whigham’s company met all the requirements. ‘We are confident that this program will provide our students with valuable skills and opportunities,’ the statement read.

Whigham declined to be interviewed for this story, but in a brief phone call, he said, ‘I’ve spent my life serving Newark, and this is another way to give back. We’re going to do a great job for these kids.’

What happens next is uncertain. The contract has been approved, and the program is set to launch in the fall. But critics are calling for a review of the procurement process, and some board members say they may introduce a resolution to audit the deal.

For parents like Jones, the waiting is the hardest part. She’ll pack her son’s lunch tomorrow, like she does every morning, and she’ll watch the news, hoping to hear that the district made the right call. ‘All we want is for our kids to have a chance,’ she said. ‘That’s not too much to ask.’

The program’s first classes are scheduled to begin in September. Until then, the questions aren’t likely to go away.