Staff react to MPS temporarily rehiring former athletics commissioner

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – Two familiar faces are returning to the Milwaukee Public Schools Interscholastic Athletic Office.

On Tuesday, we told you about former Athletics Commissioner Bill Molbeck’s temporary rehiring. Now we’ve learned that Margaret Barrett, who previously worked in the leisure industry, will also be returning.

This came after current commissioner Bobbie Kelsey came under scrutiny after failing to file paperwork regarding high school football teams and employees not being paid on time.

“I was happy, but at the same time I’m not happy because he’s only coming back part-time,” said Curtis Rediske.

Two weeks ago we introduced you to Rediske. He is a match referee at MPS and is waiting to be paid by the district for several matches he has officiated this season.

“Are you still missing your September 5th paycheck,” reporter Jenna Rae asked.

“September 5, October 4, October 2, October 15, October 17. I am six checks short for assignments,” he replied.

Watch: Staff react to MPS temporarily rehiring former athletics commissioner

Staff react to MPS temporarily rehiring former athletics commissioner

We previously showed emails between referees and the current sports commissioner. In these emails, Kelsey apologized for the delay in paying wages and advised that a new manager had taken over payroll.

Rediske said these problems did not occur under Molbeck’s leadership.

“When he passed away, a lot of things came to the fore and we realized how much he had accomplished and how valuable he was to MPS athletics. I think it’s good that he comes back, helping us and kind of cleaning up for us,” one coach said.

We talked to several MPS coaches and even some administrators. Everyone wanted to remain anonymous.

Here are some of the messages we received in response to Molbeck’s hiring:

“I think it’s a great move by the district. From what I know, he did his job well.”

“Bill Molbeck is one of the most knowledgeable and knowledgeable people I have ever worked with. This will provide stability to the Interscholastic Athletic Office.”

“Bill Molbeck is the epitome of exceptional leadership! As a former Milwaukee Public Schools athlete and coach, I witnessed firsthand his unwavering dedication, integrity and passion for education and athletics.”

“For the last several years, MPS coaches in all sports have been begging to have their voices heard under Bobby Kelsey. Bringing in new leadership, proven leadership helps build confidence in MPS athletics and the district as a whole.”

“I hope and believe that the bill will clean up a lot of the mess, put out a lot of the fires that have happened, and rebuild relationships that have been lost since he left.”

Employees we spoke to said they wanted stability and responsibility.

“I think it shows some responsibility and they are moving forward in some way,” the coach repeated.

“Do you hope that rehiring Bill will make a difference,” Rae Rediske asked.

“I hope so, but if he doesn’t stay, the likelihood of things going back to the way they are now that he’s gone is very high,” Rediske replied.

Molbeck and Barrett are expected to be confirmed at Thursday’s school board meeting. Documents show they will work in the athletics office until next April.

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