"We're saving money and utilities by building an environmentally friendly building, and providing shelter for community members," he said.

South noted because both buildings are made with concrete, they cannot burn.

"These things are built to last forever," he said.

South said he came up with monolithic design.

"I got hooked on the idea of domes in 1957," he said.

He spent years perfecting his idea and figured out that concrete works better sprayed on the building's interior as opposed to the exterior.

"It's spectacular in its ability to hold together and save money," he said.

South said he constructed the first monolithic dome in 1975 in Shelley, Idaho.

Tom Ratanasin, an architect with Boynton Williams -- Associates, said the Dibble project was his first experience designing a monolithic dome. He said he was impressed with the structure and its ability to stand up to strong winds and severe weather.

"We have been working with Dibble Public Schools for some time," Ratanasin said. "When they came up with the domes, we did some research."

Ratanasin traveled to the Monolithic Dome Institute for a seminar.

"We took information and learned how to build it," he said.

Ratanasin said the building cannot be classified as a storm shelter until FEMA approves certification. But it will be a safe haven if and when severe weather strikes the Dibble area.

"I believe it will be a good, sturdy structure," he said.

According to a press release from BWG Agency in Dallas, Dibble is among eight school districts in the state that have chosen the monolithic dome method of construction. Others include Locust Grove, Buffalo, Hinton, Beggs, Okemah, Texoma and Geronimo.