McIlnay Quits, Denies 'Deceit'

Deputy Superintendent for Planning Philip Mcllnay submitted his resignation to the Ann Arbor Board of Education Monday, saying the current "political situation" in the school district makes it impossible for him effectively to carry out his duties. Mcllnay denied allegations, however, that he had any prior knowledge or hand in the false credentials of Mildred Bautista, former assistant to t h e superintendent. Miss Bautista was fired May 26 when charges were substantiated ' ' ff 'f that her credentials were false. "I have in no marmer been party to any deceit," Mcllnay told the trustees yesterday at an executive session in the Ann Arbor Public Library. The session was closed to the public but open to the press. Only Trustee Charles Good was absent. "I have not, either by commission or omission, falsified credentials to this boa r.d, whether my o w n or anyone else's," Mcllnay said. It is virtually certain that Supt. R. Bruce McPherson will recommend that the Board of Education accept Mcllnay's resignation - effective immediately - at Wednesday's school board meeting. A majority of the board also indicated at yesterday's session they will accept the resignation. Because of a 90-day termination clause in Mcllnay's three-year contract, the school district must pay Mcllnay until Sept. 3, 1972, although he will cease work immediately if the trustees accept his resignation on Wednesday. He would receive approximately $6,500 for the 90day period, based on an annual salary of $28,750. School Board President Cecil W. Warner told The News he hoped the Bautista controversy would now cease. "What's currently going on is not good for the school system or the community " he said. Mcllnay, 29, had been with the Philadelphia School District for two years and was manager of policy and planning development before accompanying Supt McPherson to Ann Arbor last July. He earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy at the University of Minnesota and a master's degree in political science from the University of California at Santa Barbara. In a report to the school board yesterday, McPherson said Mcllnay's credentials are "accurate and verified." He also lauded Mcllnay for "superior performance" during the past year as deputy superintendent for planning. Mcllnay's Ml statement of resignation follows : "Within my contractual obligations I submit my resignation effective Sept. 3, 1972. I find the present political situaüon, personally and professionally, eludes my continued effectiveness as deputy superintendent for planning, Ann Arbor Public Schools. "At the same time, I wish to make it clear to the Board of Education that I have in no manner been party to any deceit. I have nöt, either by commission or omission, falsified credentials to this board, whether my own or anyone else's. "Finally, I take pride in the accomplishments of this administration during the past year and my own contribution in this regard. For the tasks yet to bei done, I hold a profound hope for success." I