The man who was driving a school bus that struck and killed a 12-year-old boy in Rockland in November has reached a plea deal that would allow him to avoid jail time.

Jeffrey Colburn, 65, of Camden, was charged with manslaughter in the death of Brayden Callahan in January. Colburn has pleaded not guilty.

Jeremy Pratt, an attorney for Colburn, confirmed Tuesday that a plea agreement was reached this week. A hearing for a “misdemeanor plea” has been scheduled for Aug. 11 at Knox County Courthouse, according to court documents.

The Midcoast Villager first reported, and Pratt confirmed, that the manslaughter charge is to be exchanged for the civil violation of a motor vehicle violation that results in a death. That violation is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000, a license suspension of up to four years and court-ordered community service, according to state law.

Pratt declined to comment further on the plea agreement on Tuesday and Knox County District Attorney Natasha Irving did not respond to a request for details on the deal Tuesday afternoon.

Brayden died after he was hit on Nov. 21, 2025, by the school bus Colburn was driving, police said. Brayden was in front of the bus in a crosswalk at the intersection of Broadway (Route 1A) and Eliza Steele Drive when Colburn accelerated and ran him over, according to a crash report, which indicated that Colburn did not keep his eyes on the road after dropping Brayden off.

The 12-year-old was flown by LifeFlight helicopter to Maine Medical Center but died from his injuries, police said.

After the crash, Colburn was placed on administrative leave and by December was no longer working for the district.

An attorney for Brayden’s parents announced in December that they are pursuing legal action against the Rockland-based Regional School Unit 13.

This is a developing story.