Tom Rounds previews OTES 2.0 for Columbus City School District staff

Tom Rounds and other presenters gave Columbus City School District staff a walkthrough of OTES 2.0 on an online briefing, emphasizing the session was informational and aimed at giving districts time to plan implementation next year. "the information we're sharing with you today is informational," Rounds said, adding that the guidance does not supplant collective bargaining or statutory provisions.

The presenters placed the changes in statute: the updated framework reflects Ohio Revised Code sections 3319.111 and 3319.112 and intends to refocus teacher evaluation on professional growth rather than a separate student‑growth calculation. The session outlined the same schedule districts already use for setup (August 1), completion of evaluations (May 1), and delivery of written reports (May 10), while spelling out where districts retain local discretion on exceptions and details.