Dr. Rea Goklish is the new WUSD Superintendent, she started with the district on July 1, 2015. Dr. Goklish is a lifelong educator and she comes to the district with many educational experiences in different capacities. Dr. Goklish is an enrolled member of the White Mountain Apache Tribe, and she comes from Cedar Creek, Arizona (Bideyu’). She is from the Eagle clan – Tugain – White water people. Dr. Goklish is married, has 4 daughters and 8 grandkids. Her interests are walking, reading, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Dr. Goklish earned her B.A. Degree - 1995, MaEd Degree - 2001, and her Doctoral Degree - 2005 from Arizona State University. Her teaching career began in 1995 at Whiteriver Middle School, she worked there for 5 years. She also gained experiences working as a Field Special with Arizona State University with the Rural Systemic Initiative. Eventually, her career brought her back to Whiteriver School District where she was the Assistant Principal for Seven Mile Elem. School for 2 years. After that she left the district to pursue a principal position with John F. Kennedy Day School in Cedar Creek, Az. Dr. Goklish worked with JFK School for 7 years before she returned to Whiteriver School District as the Superintendent.
Dr. Goklish is excited to work with the WUSD staff & community. Her priority is student achievement, she believes that all students can learn just as any other student in the country. She stands on her belief that, “We need to set our expectations high for every student in every classroom.”