FOWLER, Kan. (AP) _ A small southwest Kansas school district would be allowed to construct a domed building under a nearly $2 million bond issue on Tuesday's ballot.

Fowler USD 225 superintendent Sam Seybold said the 13,000-square-foot monolithic dome would be the first of its kind a Kansas school district. Seybold said the dome would be more cost- and energy-efficient while meeting several needs of the district and the community.

The dome would connect to the existing high school, housing a gym, locker rooms, restrooms, commons area, concessions space, technology center and band/vocal room. It would also be used as a community shelter from tornadoes and other emergencies.

Seybold said domes are popular in smaller districts in Oklahoma and Texas, noting that Geronimo, Okla., schools built five monolithic domes for just over $4 million.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)