In the Iowa Legislature, a stalemate over education spending is finally over. Iowa senators and representatives on Wednesday approved a funding increase of $138 million for school districts in the 2016-17 academic year, a 2.25 percent rise in spending over 2015-16.

Iowa education groups were less than satisfied with the budget approval. Though technically an increase, costs typically rise 3 percent a year. The increase in spending, while necessary, will still force Iowa districts into difficult budgeting positions. The chronic underfunding of Iowa school districts has long-term effects that negatively affect the population of Iowa.

Pre-K to 12th grade schools are closing or consolidating across the state because of a lack of sufficient funding. The closure of a school affects the community in significant ways. For one, the area becomes less desirable for young couples moving into the area, slowing growth. It is often harder to get students to a school that is farther away, and busing costs increase. When schools close, educators, administrators, and janitorial workers lose their livelihoods, and the area loses a number of other related jobs.

The strict budget this year is especially unfortunate for pre-K programs. Pre-K programs demonstrate they help students adapt socially to the classroom and prepare them for elementary education. Perhaps even more importantly, pre-K programs give young or working parents the necessary hours to generate a livable income. Problems such as child hunger can be fought with increases in structured pre-K programs. Those in poverty experience the benefits most, but better funded early education is a service for all who use the public-education system.

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The consolidation of schools often leads to less efficient schools. Larger class sizes increase the stress on teachers, and students have a harder time learning when there is a high student-to-teacher ratio. This is why education spending is so important; the continued financial support for education can keep Iowa ahead. If Iowa wants to be competitive in the global marketplace and an attractive option for new families, education has to be a priority in spending.

The state budget for fiscal 2017 is a tight one, but education is worth investing in. Expanding the number of schools increases the number of jobs for educated professionals and decreases student-to-teacher ratios. Expanding spending doesn’t always lead to more efficient school districts or smarter students. The costs Iowa school districts face are often related to size. Many districts in Iowa are experiencing increases in population and require more space and faculty to facilitate the larger number of students.

The Daily Iowan Editorial Board is glad to see the end of another stalemate in the Legislature, but it isn’t satisfied with the increase in spending toward pre-K-12 education, because costs rise by 3 percent annually. Beyond that, education is a source of jobs and opportunity. Educating today’s youth is an investment in a better-educated workforce that is more likely to thrive.