Monday, July 22, 2019
Bill Molbeck, the Commissioner of Athletics and Academics, is retiring from Milwaukee Public Schools after over 28 years of service within the Recreation Department.
Over his three decades with the organization, Bill has been involved in nearly every program Recreation has to offer. He started as an assistant supervisor at North Division High School, tasked with developing all types of programming in the area. Bill then moved on to lead the district’s Summer Recreation Enrichment Camps (SREC) before returning to his roots in sports as the supervisor of athletics. He has spent the last 17 years as the Commissioner of Athletics and Academics, overseeing MPS’ high school sports, as well as the district’s extra-curricular programs, including chess, debate, and forensics.
“I’d like to thank my family for their support over the years with all the nights and weekends I spent at work. Without that support, I wouldn’t have been able to do this job I really enjoyed doing,” Molbeck said.
Bill has played a leading role in the improvement of athletics facilities as MPS works to promote the safety of student-athletes and the community at-large. This fall, MPS athletics will be operating at four new stadiums, all featuring lights and synthetic turf. MPS is also adding a new baseball diamond this summer, has improved many of its tracks, and employs a trainer at the majority of its games.
Bill does not have any immediate plans for retirement, outside of sneaking in a few extra rounds of golf. He and his wife do plan on staying in Milwaukee to enjoy everything the city has to offer. “I couldn’t have asked for a better job,” Molbeck said. “It was always amazing how the Recreation staff would rally around any project or program we were asked to do. Now that I will have some time on my hands, I’ll have to see what programs I may register for.”
Bill's last day with the department is Friday, Aug. 2. Former Stanford star and Wisconsin women's basketball head coach Bobbie Kelsey has been tabbed to assume the Commissioner role in his stead.
Congratulations, Bill, and good luck with retirement!