COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Gov. Nikki Haley has hosted legislators at the Governor's Mansion to discuss education funding reform.

The governor invited legislative leaders to a discussion over breakfast Wednesday that was closed to the public. Four Republicans and three Democrats attended.

The breakfast was meant to begin a dialogue Haley requested in her State of the State address.

Haley said she wanted to start a conversation on how to help poor rural districts without taking money from others. Her speech gave no direction. Haley spokesman Rob Godfrey says the breakfast was a first step toward devising a game plan.

Conversations on overhauling education funding formulas started decades ago. But legislators have applauded Haley for reaching out and getting involved.

Legislators are still awaiting a state Supreme Court ruling on education funding.