Some high school students in Dane County's Wisconsin Heights School District have ditched the bus and their cars for a different way to get to and from school — they're riding their snowmobiles. “We have a very organized snowmobile club, and we have a trail that's near the school, and so we're working with the community to make it work,” says Superintendent Mark Elworthy, who offered students the option after studying similar programs in northern Wisconsin.
The school board is looking to create a snowmobile parking area and a snowmobile use policy. Students would be required to park in one area, would not be allowed to carry passengers, and the sleds could only be used to go to and from school, according to Elworthy. Students would also need to pass a safety course and have the permission of their parents.