Edward “Ed” Goldman was born March 19, 1951 in Rochester, New York and spent his childhood in Jerusalem, Israel as well as Cincinnati, Ohio. He received his first bachelor’s degree in political science from Columbia University and a second in Jewish Studies from the University of Judaism. Goldman later received a master’s degree in political science from California State University, and then a doctorate in education and higher administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, focusing on educational law.
Goldman first moved to Las Vegas, Nevada while on a leave of absence from his job in Los Angeles, California to finish his doctorate dissertation, working as a math teacher for the Clark County School District. However, it was not until 1981 that Goldman took a full-time position with the district, and moved with his wife, Susan, to the city.
After the move, his first job was at Von Tobel Junior High School. Three years later he served as dean at Woodbury Junior High School. From 1989 until 2000, Goldman led recruitment for the school district, and subsequently, he became the Southeast Regent Superintendent. He then was asked to create a new division, Educational Services, which he oversaw for five years. He then took a break from central office administration, returning to the school environment, until he was asked to come back to his previous job as Associate Superintendent for Employee Management Relations.