Naperville parks director takes leave of absence

Four months ionto his tenure, Naperville Park District Executive Director Daniel Betts is taking a leave of absence for an unspecified time.

Word of the leave came Tuesday, following a closed-door session meeting with the park board Monday night. The board has scheduled another meeting for Thursday.

When asked whether, or why, he plans to leave the park district, Betts responded: "No comment."

Park Board President Suzanne Hart said the leave of absence was "not expected" but would not elaborate.

The hard drive from Betts' park district computer was removed Tuesday, a move Hart said was "strictly protocol."

"Nothing negative or sinister should be inferred by that," she said. "Removing (the hard drive) is standard procedure in most governmental positions. We're not in private sector, so we need to make sure to dot our 'i's an cross our 't's."

Still, the park board has had a rocky road with its recent directors. They've had eight leaders in 12 years. And they've been working with a consultant to help resolve problems with infighting, conflict and communication that served as roadblocks to progress.

Betts, the former deputy director of recreation in Denver, took over th reins of the Naperville Park District in March.

Hart declined to comment on who requested the personal leave of absence, saying all would be made clear after Thursday's meeting.

Will the board be looking for a new director?

"Don't be putting the cart before the horse on me," she said. "We've discussed the possibility, but we'll all know more Thursday."