WINNIPEG – Manitoba premier Brian Pallister has encouraged teachers to share the province’s last remaining piece of chalk in all of the province’s public schools.
Pallister announced the new chalk share program for a well-worn stick of calcium carbonate will be the only free item provided to 16,000 teachers currently working in the public education system.
“Teachers will have a two letter limit on the chalk,” said the premier referring to the government’s last purchase of a public school-related expense. “But we would much prefer teachers to provide their own chalk, chalkboard, classroom, and salary.”
The 2 inch chalk, which is now down to 1.5 inches, is currently being used in a grade 10 math class at Kelvin High School to make a division sign and half of a number 8.
As an alternative to the chalk sharing program, the premier suggested educators can smear their blood on a large piece of paper for a better visual learning aid. Paper will not be provided.
Pallister added that, to save on costs, hospital patients will be required to bring their own beds.