School social workers work within schools to provide a variety of social, emotional, and mental health services to students to support overall success. The intent of this research is to evaluate the importance of having a school social worker available to general education students within the Owatonna High School setting and examine gaps in services that may have appeared after the removal of this position in 2009. Various related studies have been examined to outline a variety of ways in which school social workers are used to support student success. During this study, a total of seven Owatonna School District employees were interviewed regarding school social work. Overall, participants identified a large number of gaps that emerged after the removal of the general education social worker position and indicated that reinstating this role is critical to overall student success. The role of a school social worker varies slightly from that of a school social worker. social worker at a traditional social service agency. School social workers work within one or more school buildings to support student success by minimizing social, emotional, mental health and economic barriers for each student. While the role varies from school to school, school social workers can perform a variety of duties serving students, staff, families, administrators, and even allow for collaboration with outside resources. School social workers serve students through methods such as individual or group counseling, skill development, mental health assessments, and support for the student's general needs. The role of the school social worker also supports teachers in planning and implementing accommodations and interventions for students...... half of the document ......services and provisions: first year outcome. Children and Schools, 26(1), 5.Lynn, C.J., McKay, M.M., & Atkins, M. (2003, October). School social work: Meeting students' mental health needs through collaboration with teachers. Children and Schools, 25(4), 197.Minnesota School Social Work Association. (n.d.). On school social service. Retrieved from Minnesota School Social Work Association: www.msswa.orgPeckover, C.A., Vasquez, M.L., Housen, S.L., Saunders, J.A., & Allen, L. (2013, January). Preparing school social work for the future: An update of the duties of school social workers in Iowa. Children and Schools, 35(1), 9.Department of Social Work. (2003-2009). Annual records. Owatonna Public School. Teasley, M. L. (2004, April). Truancy and absenteeism: Risks, protections, and best practice implications for school social workers. Children and schools, 26(2), 117.