CLARK —The Clark Board of Education on Monday unanimously approved its 2024-2025 general operating budget of $47,784,275, $36 million of which will need to be raised by taxes.

“We’re thrilled to have no staff reductions in this budget,” said Superintendent Edward Grande, noting that the district will be able to add “one or two” positions depending on need.

District BusinessAdministrator Paul Vizzuso largely attributed this year’s $568,349 budgetary increase to rising transportation costs.

“We don’t have much wiggle room with these budgets,” he said, adding that transportation costs have increased from $3,137,767 to $3,508,111 — a difference of $370,344. “It’s not just us. All of the districts in New Jersey are just getting killed with the transportation costs.”

Mr. Vizzuso added he currently is trying to get relief from the state.

This year’s budget, Mr. Grande said, will support ongoing education initiatives within the district, like full-day kindergarten and reimbursements for certainAdvancedPlacementexamsand college courses.

“The Clark Township Public Schools will, in an active and responsible partnership with the community, provide a quality education that ensures all students achieve the New Jersey Student Learning Standards at all grade levels,” Mr. Grande said, reading from the district’s mission statement. “Through a nurturing, relevant learning environment, we will assist in the development of productive, respectful, and accountable citizens who are lifelong learners.”