Columbus, Ohio (AP) -- The Columbus School District has agreed to pay a half million dollars to the family of a 6-year-old boy who was struck and killed by a school bus outside an elementary school.
Police said the January 2007 accident happened when Asa Mayles left his grandmother's car and ran across the street in front of the bus. The first-grader later died at a hospital.
The school district's insurer will pay another $175,000, on top of the $500,000 the district will pay out of its general fund.
School District Counsel Larry Braverman says the family hadn't yet filed a lawsuit. He says the settlement, approved by the school board Tuesday, was reached to prevent the suit.
Asa's mother, Jessica Cruz, says she originally asked the district for $2 million, but settled for less to prevent the ordeal of a trial.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All rights Reserved.)
