The Palo Alto Unified School District Board of Education meeting on Jan. 14 focused on the possibility of a thirteenth elementary school, a replacement for the now retired state STAR test and a set of plans for the new construction projects at Palo Alto High School.

The School Board went over different options for a new elementary school’s placement, and discussed how existing schools would be affected. The board hopes to select a location for the new school by May of this year.

Another issue in question was the California state legislation’s elimination of the California Standards Test earlier this year. Students will instead beta test the Smarter Balanced Assessment Program, which will replace the previously administered STAR tests starting next school year.

Also discussed was an addendum to the Board’s contract with the Gilbane Building Company to provide additional services for the construction of the new Media Arts Center at Paly, and approval of an updated design for the planned replacement of both gymnasiums at Paly.