Wayne Highlands is a third-class school district in Wayne County, Pennsylvania. The district's population was 20,870 at the time of the 2010 United States Census.

Organized on July 1, 1970, the district operates, preschools, four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. It covers 435 square miles (1,130 km²) (roughly one-third the size of Rhode Island), making it the second largest geographical school district in the state. According to federal census data, the district's population decreased by 636 residents from 21,506 residents in 2000.

According to Wayne Highlands School District officials, in school year 2009–10 the District provided basic educational services to 3,125 pupils. The District employed: 248 teachers, 137 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 19 administrators. Wayne Highlands School District received more than $13.8 million in state funding in school year 2009–10. In school year 2007–08 the Wayne Highlands School District provided basic educational services to 3,215 pupils. At the time it employed: 247 teachers, 132 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 19 administrators. Wayne Highlands School District received more than $13.7 million in state funding in school year 2007–08.

In 2006, the district was recognized for excellence in teaching, and has a long tradition of requiring standards of its graduates well beyond state regulation.

Regions and constituent municipalities

Map of Wayne County with the highlighted boroughs and townships served by WHSD.

The district is divided into three regions, which include the following municipalities:

Region I

• Buckingham Township
• Damascus Township
• Manchester Township
• Preston Township
• Scott Township

Region II

• Bethany Borough
• Dyberry Township
• Honesdale Borough
• Lebanon Township

Region III

• Berlin Township
• Cherry Ridge Township
• Oregon Township
• Prompton Borough
• Texas Township (partially in the Wallenpaupack Area School District)

Schools

• Damascus Area School
• Honesdale High School
• Lakeside Elementary School
• Preston Area School
• Stourbridge Primary School
• Wayne Highlands Middle School

Governance

Wayne Highlands School District is governed by 9 individually elected board members (serves without compensation for a term of four years.), the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania General Assembly. The federal government controls programs it funds like Title I funding for low-income children in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the No Child Left Behind Act, which mandates the district focus resources on student success in acquiring reading and math skills. The Superintendent and Business Manager are appointed by the school board. The Superintendent is the chief administrative officer with overall responsibility for all aspects of operations, including education and finance. The Business Manager is responsible for budget and financial operations. Neither of these officials are voting members of the School Board.