BHS math department picks up experienced educator

Math teacher Marilyn Hilliard When Marilyn Hilliard decided to rethink her decision to retire from teaching, it was a lucky day for BISD. Hilliard brings twenty-six years of experience to her new position in the mathematics department at BHS, where she will be teaching calculus, pre-calculus and geometry.

Marilyn and her husband Bob moved here from Crosby, Texas when they bought twelve wooded acres between Cen-

terville and Buffalo off FM 1618, with intentions to build their retirement home. When the economy cratered they changed their minds about retiring and began looking for work here. Bob will continue to work with his former company, Preferred Food Services, as a consultant and Marilyn was a perfect fit for BHS.

The high school's new math teacher exudes enthusiasm and a positive attitude. "I love what I do and I'm always looking for ways to improve what I'm doing. I don't sit on last year's lesson plans," Hilliard explains. "I'm a firm believe that every youngster can be successful in my classroom if they give me -- and themselves -- a chance." She concludes, "I believe in running my classroom on one word: Respect."

Marilyn is a native of St. Paul, Minnesota. She earned her Bachelors degree in math at the College of St. Benedict in Central Minnesota, then added a Masters in math here in Texas at Stephen F. Austin in '72. After marrying a Texan -- Bob is from Crosby -- Marilyn has now lived in the Lone Star State longer than she was up north. Their family includes three daughters who have blessed them with five grandkids, and they are all in Texas, too, scattered from Crosby to Austin.

As anyone who has built a new home can attest, the Hilliards will be busy for awhile yet, unpacking, clearing their property, and landscaping. When she does manage to carve out some free time Marilyn enjoys doing needlework or crafts and reading a good murder mystery.