Mr. Raymond was born and raised just outside of Buffalo, New York.  In December of 2003, an opportunity to teach 6^th grade math at Casa Grande Middle School presented itself and a new adventure began.
Mr. Raymond continued his education, graduating in 2008 from Northern Arizona University with a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership.  Since joining the Casa Grande Elementary School District, he has taught 6^th and 8^th grade Math, Curriculum Enrichment in grades K-5, has served as a Middle School Assistant Principal, Principal at Evergreen Elementary, Principal at CGOLA, and now serves as the Principal at COIL.
He has made Casa Grande his home and is extremely fortunate for all the friends and colleagues he has had the opportunity to learn from since joining the Casa Grande Elementary School District. As Dr. James Comer states, “No significant learning occurs without a significant relationship”.  Building respectful relationships with students, families, and staff is something that Mr. Raymond places a priority on.

Mrs. Franco was born and raised in rural Illinois. She received her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from National Louis University in 2013. It was at this time that she began seeking a warmer climate for herself and her family. She began her teaching career in Casa Grande as a 5th grade teacher at Evergreen Elementary. When Evergreen closed, Mrs. Franco became the Digital Learning Coach for CGOLA (Casa Grande Online Learning Academy) and most recently the School Implementation Specialist for CGOLA, COIL (Center for Online and Innovative Learning), and Villago Middle School. 

Rita Pierson said, “Every child deserves a champion – an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.” Mrs. Franco is excited to be a part of the COIL team as Dean of Students and looks forward to building connections and being a champion for all of the students, families, and staff.