The Arkansas Activities Association (AAA) filed a brief for a motion of dismissal Monday in the Steven Saeler lawsuit against the AAA, the Cleveland County School District, Superintendent Davy King and Athletic Director Chris Vereen.
The AAA'S attorney Ed McCorkle of law firm McMillian, McCorkle and Curry in Arkadelphia cited Arkansas Code 16-60-104 entitled “Actions that shall be brought in Pulaski County” states:
The following civil actions shall be brought in Pulaski County...
Civil action brought against an organization that regulates extra curricular interscholastic
activities in grades seven through twelve (7-12) in both public and private schools if the organizations main administrative office is located in Pulaski County....”
The Arkansas Activities Association is “an organization that regulates extra curricular interscholastic activities in grades seven through twelve (7-12) in both public and private Schools” and its “main administrative office is located in Pulaski County.
The AAA wants the case dismissed because the lawsuit was not filed in Pulaski County.
The Case
On July 3, Ethan Saeler, a minor, filed a lawsuit through his father Steven Saeler. Clint Todd, an attorney in Star City, is representing the Saelers.
The lawsuit states:
"On or about April 7, 2025, Steven Saeler submitted E.S.'s paperwork to transfer schools from Rison High School to Woodlawn for the 2025-2026 school year for academic reasons."
According to the lawsuit, Steven Saeler requested that "Superintendent Davy King complete a CSAP form for E.S., in order to comply with AAA for varsity athletic participation for transfer of schools prior to June 30, 2025.
While signed by the receiving school, Cleveland County School District Superintendent, Davy King refused to sign the CSAP form."
Attorneys for the Cleveland County School District, King or Vereen have not yet filed a response to the lawsuit.
Circuit Judge Spencer Singleton is assigned to the case.
Read the Reckoning's previous story here:
Suzi Parker
