DES MOINES - Gov. Chet Culver is "very troubled" by allegations a Democratic legislator used an incorrect address to avoid paying $37,000 in tuition to send his children to a special school.

Culver, speaking from Biloxi, Miss, where he has been attending the National Governors' Conference, said he's glad there is an investigation into allegations that Rep. Kerry Burt, D-Waterloo, and others paid less than they should have for their children to attend Malcolm Price Laboratory School in Cedar Falls.

A state audit found a gap of more than $250,000 in fees that should have been charged by the school and what was actually charged to students' families. According to a state audit, Burt and others used incorrect address so it appeared they lived within the attendance boundary of the school associated with the University of Northern Iowa. Among others cited in the audit was a former director of the school.

"I'm very concerned about the alleged wrongdoings involved," Culver told reporters. "I can tell you, I am extremely concerned about the situation. This involves taxpayer money. I'm glad there is an investigation moving forward."

The case has been referred by the Black Hawk County Attorney's office to the Iowa Attorney General's office, where the prosecutions division is looking into it.

Culver said he hasn't talked to Burt, a first-term lawmaker also facing trial on a drunken driving charge stemming from a Feb. 11 arrest by Ankeny police, and has no plans to talk to him.

Culver also said he doesn't know the details of reports of an underage drinking party at the home of Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Marsha Ternus. He called it a local law enforcement issue because state Department of Safety has not been asked to investigate the allegation.

Culver cautioned against judging Burt prematurely.

"I think everyone deserves their fair and due process," he said. "I think we need to have a full and complete investigation and get to the bottom and hold everyone and anyone accountable if they've violated the rules or the law."

The Republican Party of Iowa has called for Burt's resignation. Culver said it's too early for that.

"I might have more to say once we have more of the facts on the table," he said.