NORTHWOOD, Iowa — The man charged with the fatal hit-and-run of a 7-year-old girl boarding a school bus last May will likely be sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Aaron Dwayne Gunderson, 32, of Northwood, on Friday pleaded guilty in Worth County District Court to one count of vehicular homicide involving reckless driving and one count of leaving the scene of a crash. A third more serious charge of vehicular homicide while intoxicated was dismissed.

The plea came as part of an agreement between his lawyer and the Iowa Attorney General’s office, which is prosecuting the case. Both parties recommended a 15-year prison sentence, with Gunderson serving a mandatory minimum of seven years, according to the Attorney General’s office.

Sentencing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Jan. 27.

Gunderson was arrested May 10, 2011, by Worth County Sheriff’s Office deputies after striking and killing 7-year-old Kadyn Jade Halverson, of rural Kensett, on Worth County Road S52 as she walked to a stopped school bus in rural Worth County.

Gunderson failed to stop for the flashing lights and extended stop sign of the bus and struck Kadyn while driving 60 mph before continuing southbound, without stopping at the scene.

Kadyn was thrown more than 60 feet into the west ditch of the road and died at the scene.

The investigation found he had more than 3,000 feet to notice the bus and witnesses said he reportedly stopped for a moment, then fled.

He was headed to a place 1 1/2 miles south and west of the scene.

There, he spoke with a friend, investigators said. He told the man he had hit a deer when he passed a school bus and said he “hoped it was not a kid.” He also told the man he had an eye disorder and ought not be driving.

He tested positive for marijuana use in the hours after his arrest.

Gunderson was released in October from the Worth County Jail after posting bond, but was taken back into custody Friday after changing his plea.