Employees react to MPS temporarily rehiring former athletics commissioner

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

On Tuesday, we told you that former athletics commissioner Bill Molbeck was temporarily rehired. Now we’ve heard that Margaret Barrett, who used to work in recreation, is also being brought back.

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

“I was happy to hear that, but in the same breath not happy because he’s only coming back part-time,” Curtis Rediske said.

Two weeks ago we introduced you to Rediske. He is a game official with MPS and is awaiting payment from the district for several games he officiated this season.

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

“September 5, October 4, October 2, October 15, October 17. I’m missing six paychecks,” he replied.

Watch: Employees react to MPS temporarily rehiring former athletics commissioner

Employees react to MPS temporarily rehiring former athletics commissioner

Previously we showed you emails between referees and the current athletics commissioner. In those emails, Kelsey apologized for the delayed payment and said a new manager had taken over payroll.

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

“When he left, a lot of things came to the fore, and we realized how much he did and how valuable he was to MPS Athletics. I think it’s good that he’s coming back to help and clean things up for us” , said one of them. Coach said.

We spoke to several MPS coaches and even some administrators. They all wanted to remain anonymous.

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

“I think it’s a great move by the district. As far as I could tell, he did his job well.”

“Bill Molbeck is one of the most competent and knowledgeable people I have ever worked with. It will bring stability to the Interscholastics Athletics Office.”

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

“MPS coaches from all sports have been pleading with Bobbie Kelsey in recent years to make their voices heard. By bringing in new leadership, proven leadership helps build confidence in MPS athletics and the district as a whole.”

“I hope and believe this bill will clean up a lot of messes, put out a lot of fires, and restore relationships that have been lost since he left.”

Employees we spoke to said they want stability and responsibility.

“I think it shows some responsibility and that they are making progress somehow,” one coach echoed.

“Do you hope that Bill’s new appointment will turn things around,” Rae asked Rediske.

“I hope so, but if he doesn’t stay, the chance that everything will return to what it is now after his departure is very high,” Rediske responded.

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

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