For the 2018—19 school year through the 2021—22 school year, a qualifying school may apply to the Department to receive a grant to develop an evidence-based early literacy program. A qualifying school may apply for a grant only if the local superintendent endorses the school’s grant application. A qualifying school may coordinate and partner with other qualifying schools in the county to apply jointly for a grant to develop a literacy program among the partnering qualifying schools. A qualifying school may apply for and accept donations, grants, or other financial assistance from a governmental entity, a nonprofit organization, or any other private organization to benefit the literacy program. A local school board may apply on behalf of one or more qualifying schools in the local school system.