Let me tell you about TN Alliance, it's a story I cannot tell you without mentioning my dad, Ron Scarlata.

Tennessee Association of Church Related Schools was founded in 1994 under the leadership of Ron Scarlata. The Tennessee State Department of Education and the Tennessee Board of Education have recognized TN Alliance member schools as church-related, Category IV schools since 1996. It was a non-profit organization chartered for the purpose of serving private, Christian, schools in the state of Tennessee.

My dad was the founder and the President of this organization from 1994-2013. He spear-headed a two-year work with other Christian leaders and a talented lobbyist to secure the freedoms for Tennessee Category IV schools. My dad went to be with the Lord suddenly in March 2013, but the mission and vision that he fought so hard to preserve continues and that mission is alive and strong: "Serving and Strengthening Christian Education."

The day before he passed, he was communicating with the Tennessee Department of Education on behalf of TN Alliance members. He spent the last 25 years of his life pursuing education freedoms for many Christian home educators. He once even had a heart attack in the office of the Commissioner of Education defending the freedoms of Christian Education. He was later visited by the governor and used the opportunity from a hospital bed to talk about the need for freedoms regarding education.

Most people know my dad as this great hero that worked night and day, but I was blessed to be able to know him as a daughter as well and he was my hero, my shadow of Christ. "All heroes are shadows of Christ." -John Piper, Don't Waste Your Life. I grew up by his side with a front row seat watching him defend the rights of home educators and Christian schools. His passion for freedom was contagious and I certainly have the same heart and fight in me to carry on his legacy.

Shortly after my father passed, I assumed the position as President of Tennessee Association of Church Related Schools for nearly three years, from 2013 thru 2016. During that time a founding board member took legal action and started a lawsuit with the goal to assume the leadership role of this organization. At that time I was forced to hire an attorney, appear at depositions and spend a lot of personal time and money trying to preserve the legacy that my father started.

It became clear very quickly that this legal battle would be a long fight and ultimately the one to suffer would be the membership of TN Alliance as the leadership was tied up in a lawsuit. Legal counsel from both sides indicated that if both parties were unable to settle the matter the organization could be in jeopardy of being dissolved by the courts.  As a result, a two-part plan was developed by the acting Board of Directors to both fight the lawsuit and also to work on establishing another organization. Ultimately this would allow the membership of TN Alliance to be protected.

It was decided the best way to continue my father’s legacy was to begin the journey to form this new organization and to name it in his memory. My father named the first organization TN Alliance over 22 years ago, the new organization was named Tennessee Alliance of Church Related Schools.

We are excited and pleased to make you aware that Governor Bill Haslam signed the new bill into law on March 10, 2016 which amends TCA §49-50-801 to add Tennessee Alliance of Church Related Schools as a new organization that can offer accreditation through membership for category IV church-related schools.

It took fourteen months, tons of phone calls, many leaders in education, trips to the legislature, meetings with local government and the Department of Education officials, political support, funding and lots of prayer for Tennessee Alliance of Church Related Schools to exist today. We are very thankful to Senator Bell, and Representatives Spivey, Casada, Matlock and Windle for their sponsorship of this bill and their commitment to our cause. On February 25, 2016, TN House Bill No. 782 passed in the House of Education Committee 91-0. Later, on March 2, 2016, Senate Bill No. 484 passed in the Senate Education Committee 30-1. Finally, on March 10, 2016, it was signed by Governor Haslam. We consider this a great victory!

Members can rest easy knowing that many of the same people that served alongside my dad, Ron Scarlata have taken a position as a board member, adviser or ministry supporter. We are pleased to let you know we have a combined 155 years of educational and ministry experience, as well as over a combined 100 years of business experience working for you.

It is our goal and heart of TN Alliance to serve you and strengthen you to reach your community through Christian education. Jesus said, “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for such is the kingdom of God."  (Luke 18:15)

In closing, please know that those serving you through Tennessee Alliance of Church Related Schools are covering you and your school in prayer. It is our prayer that the Lord will strengthen and unify you and your staff members as you serve your community. The lives of many are changed when we serve each other in a spirit of love and compassion. We appreciate your prayer support for Tennessee Alliance of Church Related Schools.