Flagpole Rule Lets Anyone Open Schools

A simple, literal requirement (for example, displaying a flag and flagpole) can be the only legal step to register a private school in some states, meaning people with no credentials can form voucher‑eligible schools quickly. ProPublica reporters used newsroom addresses and transparent disclosures to prove they could complete applications in 24 hours without background checks or operational readiness. — If states permit minimal formal requirements to qualify as schools, taxpayer funds intended for education can flow to entities with no demonstrated competence or accountability, demanding policy reform on oversight and eligibility.