Smith said, "It's unfortunate. We were trying to reach out and share information that may correct a perception."

Smith added, "They're very busy, and during the session is an extremely difficult time, so we understand."

Madsen later told the Deseret Morning News he doesn't remember being invited. "I didn't hear about it," Madsen said. "Maybe I missed the e-mail."

Regardless, Madsen said he had a schedule conflict during the time and day of the meeting due to his employment. "If I had no conflict I would have gone," he said. "It's tough during the Legislature. I can't be everywhere at once."

Seven legislators, and Republican Party chairman Stan Lockhart, showed up and listened.

"It was a good discussion," said Rep. John Dougall, R-American Fork. He added the group gets together regularly.

"We talk about legislative issues, and if we have disagreements, we talk about how we see the world differently," Dougall said.

Three Alpine School Board members also attended the meeting, including board president Debbie Taylor.

"As policy-makers we feel it's important to have accurate information when we make policy," Taylor said. "We feel legislators would like the same thing."

Henshaw said he thought the meeting went great.

"We just wanted to make sure we shared the accountability of the money with our legislators," he said. "They were very appreciative of the information. It was a very positive meeting."

Alpine District also spends 8.55 percent of its budget on operation and maintenance of facilities, 3.75 percent on transportation; and 0.60 percent for the district business office, including accounting. The total general fund budget for 2006-07 was $276,250,276, according to Smith.

Percentages have generally remained the same in the district budget during the past decade. However, actual dollars have increased on school administration and on operation and maintenance of facilities as the district has opened new schools to accommodate growth, Smith said.

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E-mail: astewart@desnews.com