Effective September 2024, Mesquite ISD will no longer offer the Personal Computer Buy Program (PCBP). This program was originally introduced in 1989 with the goal of “increasing employee knowledge, skills, and application of technology to enhance job efficiency.”  At the time of its inception, only 15% of U.S. households owned a computer. Today, however, that landscape has changed dramatically, with 95% of American households now owning at least one computer, according to the U.S. Census.

The original program, which allowed full-time staff to purchase personal computers using district funds and repay the cost over two years through payroll deductions, was groundbreaking when it launched. To put things in perspective, in 1989, a Macintosh Portable cost $7,300—about $16,020 in today's dollars (source: Chicago Tribune). 

Over the years, technology has become more accessible, and the need for such a program has diminished. Many of our employees now have district-issued laptops, and nearly everyone can access district technology at work. Additionally, available discounts and seasonal sales often mean a lower price is available for individual purchases when compared to the set price paid by the District and passed on through the PCBP. 

For those still interested in purchasing personal-use computers, we encourage you to explore financing and purchasing options directly from vendors such as Dell and Apple.

Thank you for your understanding and continued dedication to utilizing technology to support our students and schools.

• Effective September 2024, Mesquite ISD will no longer offer the personal computer buy program.

• Staff who previously purchased a computer will continue to have payroll deductions for the remainder of the 24-month term.

• Mesquite ISD began offering the personal computer buy program in 1989, to “increase user knowledge, skills, and application of technology as a tool for job efficiency.” 

• When the computer buy program was established in 1989, only 15% of all U.S. households reported they had a computer. In 2021, 95% of US households had at least one computer (Source: census.gov)

• In 1989, Macintosh Portable M5120 had a price tag of $7,300 (Inflation adjusted price: $16,020) (Source: Chicago Tribune)

• The personal computer buy program utilized Mesquite ISD funds to purchase personal-use computers for full-time staff and allowed the employee to repay the district through a 2-year payroll deduction.