Naperville parks board doesn't explain director's leave
The Naperville Park District remains mum on new Executive Director Daniel Betts' abrupt leave of absence.
The park board spent nearly two hours in executive session Thursday talking about personnel, among other topics, but would not discuss the matter publicly when they emerged.
Board President Suzanne Hart had no comment when asked about why Betts is on leave, whether he will return and if he is being paid. She directed questions to Gregory James, an attorney with the Laner Muchin labor and employment firm in Chicago.
James verified that Betts is still employed by the park district but would not answer any other questions.
"This is a private personnel matter between the district and Daniel," he said. "As soon as I am able to provide you with more information I will. That's really all I can say about it."
Hart confirmed Betts' leave of absence last week after a July 14 closed-session board meeting in which personnel was the only item on the agenda.
The new director had just taken the helm in March, after previously serving as the deputy director of recreation in Denver.
He is the eighth director in 12 years for the Naperville Park District, which has a history of infighting and communication troubles.
The park board did make progress Thursday in narrowing down candidates to replace Charlie Brown, who resigned his spot on the board last month in order to spend more time with his family.
Ten people applied for the job and the board has now chosen three finalists to interview.
"They're all excellent candidates that came in," Hart said.
But she would not say who they are because they have not yet been notified.
Interviews will be conducted publicly at 6 p.m. Aug. 14 at the municipal center, 400 S. Eagle St.
"The public is more than welcome to see who these potential candidates are," Commissioner Kristen Jungles said. "We thought it would be better for the community that they get to hear directly from the candidates."
The board will still have the final say in actually selecting a the new commissioner and hope to do so that same evening.