BLACKFOOT — A new student center at Blackfoot High School has transformed how students spend their day and how the community gathers, replacing crowded hallways and basement cafeterias with a modern, multipurpose space.

The facility, funded by a 2021 bond, opened for daily student use earlier this month and has already hosted the school's homecoming dance, senior night events and community functions, including Idaho State University President Robert Wagner's recent presentation on the future of higher education.

"Blackfoot High School didn't have anything like this, they just had a small cafeteria in the basement," said Blackfoot High School spokesperson Ronna Park. "It kind of serves as both a cafeteria as well as a student center."

Before the new facility, students gathered in hallways during lunch, creating chaos during passing periods as they socialized, studied or charged devices. The student center features a variety of seating areas and multiple charging stations.

Events previously had to take place in the library, gym or performing arts center — which at times was too large — or at off-campus facilities.

"We have classrooms that need more space and then community events as well," said Blackfoot High School Principal Roger Thomas. "But probably the most important is it gives our kids a place to be versus in a crowded hall."

The space also serves as the school's new main entrance.

"We're pretty proud of this," Park said. "It used to just be you'd walk into the front door of the high school and you're in a hallway...So this is a space that makes the school a little more welcoming."

The student center is one of several improvement projects throughout Bingham School District 55 funded by the 2021 bond, including relocating baseball fields to build a new elementary school and constructing a new Career and Technical Education facility.