This ERIC Digest focuses on educational policy analysis at the local school district level. The digest suggests how school boards can use policy analysis as a tool for policy formation and implementation. Several aspects of school district policy analysis are covered in question-and-answer format: (1) Which role of the policy analyst is most useful to policymakers? (2) Is policy analysis being done at the local level; (3) How may policy analysis help the board identify issues? (4) How can a policy analyst assist in formulating policies? and (5) Is the policy analyst's mission complete once policy has been formulated? Appended are 10 references. (SI)