Tymensen respected and appreciated for his years of service at HSD

Posted on July 18, 2025 by Vauxhall Advance

By Cal Braid
Vauxhall Advance
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

When an individual serves a community for 30 years as an educator, it cements their status as a pillar of that community. So it is with Dr. Wilco Tymensen as he inches closer to his August retirement from his role as superintendent of schools with Horizon School Division (HSD). It seemed fitting to give him his due and to recognize the stability and consistency he’s brought to education in Taber and the MD for decades.

 Tymensen was born in the 1960s in a 400-year-old farm house in the Netherlands and lived there until 1976 when his family immigrated to Medicine Hat.

 He graduated from McCoy High School, went to the University of Alberta and earned a Bachelor of Science Specialization in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics. Next, he studied at the University of Lethbridge for a Bachelor of Education, followed by a Masters of Education in Leadership. He then pursued an Educational Doctorate in Leadership, which eventually led to his qualification as Dr. Wilco Tymensen.

 His career path moved him into increasing levels of leadership as it progressed. After graduating in 1993, he got his first teaching position at John Davidson School in Coaldale (Gr. 6). Next, he moved to St. Mary’s in Taber for one year as a high school science and math teacher.

 The upward trajectory continued when he was hired by HSD, moving from a teacher to principal; to director in 2006; to associate superintendent; and finally superintendent for the last 12 years. He remained with HSD for 30 years and will bow out gracefully in August.

 When asked for a few highlights of his career with HSD, he answered, “So many to name. A few include working with an amazing board of trustees, and in particular working with Marie Logan, our current board chair, has truly been an honor.”

 “Working alongside my senior leadership team. One could not ask for a better group of friends. They make coming to work something to look forward to,” he said.

One of those team members is Phil Johansen, associate superintendent of finance and operations with HSD, who described Wilco’s level of commitment as exemplary.

 “He was always available and working for the division. He is very knowledgeable and stays calm under pressure. Something that I always appreciated about him was his commitment to following policy and procedures.  He didn’t cut corners, he didn’t make backroom deals. Everything was above board,” Johansen said.

 Tymensen worked closely with division office staff, school principals, and education leaders in Alberta’s school divisions. He collaborated with Lisa Astolas, CUPE president, and ATA presidents Walter Plumtree and Sean Dupuis and said of them, “Their dedication and professionalism deserves to be acknowledged and should be celebrated.”

 He enjoyed being with the College of Alberta School Superintendents (CASS), which he served as a president, and working with the minister of education to make CASS a legislated profession.

 As a finalist for two excellence in teaching awards, he won the superintendent of the year award with CASS and was also Alberta’s nominee for Canada’s superintendent of the year.

 He relished the opportunity to learn alongside amazing educators, and had the opportunity to mentor new superintendents. He collaborated with the Taber Society for Christian Education to see Taber Christian School grow from a K-9 100-student school to two schools of K-8 and 10-12 with over 525 students.

 He valued “coming together with our community and building school programs that meet the needs of our families and their children. And being part of the APEX Youth Awards committee and celebrating so many amazing youth.”

 He remembered “being part of a 24-hour flight from Edmonton to Lethbridge due to a snowstorm. The time I spent with Derek Baron, Bruce Francis, and Blair Lowry will always be remembered.”

 Terri-Lynn Duncan, associate superintendent, learner services, thanked Tymensen for being a visionary leader.

 “(His) steadfast commitment to students, staff, and community has shaped a stronger school division and profoundly impacted the lives of those fortunate enough to work alongside him,” Duncan said.

 Addressing him directly, she added, “Your mentorship, compassion, and unwavering belief in people have not only guided me through the pivotal moments of my leadership journey but have also left a lasting legacy of kindness, courage, and excellence in education.”

 As he reflected upon his career and his transition out of education, he said, “The best feeling is knowing that Horizon’s students are in great hands. Our staff continually amaze me. I am so proud of what they do and their dedication to the success and well-being of our students. It’s truly been an honour to work with them.”

 Next fall, instead of going back to the schools, he’s looking forward to a change of scenery with his wife, whom he said has been a continuing source of love and support.

 “My best friend and wife of 33 years and our two dogs are moving to Fernie, B.C. We are looking forward to spending each day waking up without a worry, mountain biking with friends in the summer and downhill skiing with friends in the winter.”