The Highline School District is planning to add more literacy and math coaches by using additional funds from a statewide voter-approved initiative.

Initiative 728 was passed several years ago to provide extra state money to help school districts boost academic achievement. Highline curriculum director Carla Jackson recently reported to school board members that the district will receive about $7.4 million this year, a $1.2 million increase over last year.

The Highline Education Association, the teachers' union, has also requested "interventionists" who will deal directly with struggling students, according to Jackson. Principals will decide whether interventionists are needed at their school.

About $1.1 million will also be used for summer school for failing students.

With an added emphasis on math, the district plans to cut class sizes in ninth- grade algebra, develop a pilot program for sixth through eighth-grade math and add math tutoring.

The district also wants to extend all-day kindergarten for two to four more schools.