The Smiths have been divorced for three years. As part of the divorce, they received joint custody of their two
kids, aged 9 and 12, and they wrote a comprehensive parenting agreement. While they are not friends, they
have done a good job of co-parenting their children. They both care deeply about the kids and want what is
best for them. Now, they have run into a problem they cannot resolve on their own. Their daughter, who
attends the neighborhood public middle school, is not doing well in school. She used to have a close group of
friends, but has been largely ostracized by them. She is so upset about her social situation that it is impacting
her academic performance. She never wants to go to school, and she is not doing her work. The Mom wants
to pull her from school and enroll her in a nearby private school. The Dad supports public education and feels
this is a drastic solution. Further, the private school is expensive, and he does not feel like they have the money
to send her. Both parents are becoming increasingly frustrated, and their daughter continues to struggle.