SUMMERS COUNTY, W.Va. (Hinton News) – Renee Meador Farley is seeking a second term on the Summers County Board of Education. Here is some background information for Renee. Renee is local to Hinton and is the wife of Joey Farley Jr. She is the daughter of the late Wayne Meador and Juanita Vass Meador. Renee said that one thing she enjoys is telling people that their children (Lyndsey Jo, Jake, Tucker, and Tara) are the fourth generation of her family to graduate from either the old Hinton High School or the new Summers County Comprehensive High School.
Renee went on to say that it’s a privilege to have such deep roots in Hinton.
“I have worked with children all my life – beginning as a teenage babysitter and as most girls did, and continuing through church as a youth group leader, as well as Sunday School teacher, and VBS teacher,“ Renee explained.
Renee said that when she became disabled later in life, she had an in-home day care until all her “littles” grew up and started school. “Having that place in my heart for children is what prompted me to run for the board of education in 2022.”
Renee said that when she decided to apply for the board vacancy in 2022, she thought she would make a difference in the lives of the children, families, and employees of Summers County. According to Renee, the exact opposite happened. As it turned out, she didn’t make as much of a difference in their lives as they did hers.
“It was those kids, their families, every professional and service personnel, the central office, along with each board member, that made a difference in life.“ Renee went on to say, “I am enriched, I am smarter, I am kinder, and I am blessed beyond measure because of each one of them.“
Renee also said that she had the full support of her family, friends, and God on this journey. She said that made it hard to say no to a second opportunity to serve the children and community for another four years.
Renee thinks one of the most memorable moments from her first term was watching the middle school go from groundbreaking to ribbon-cutting. “It was amazing to be part of such an amazing project.“
Renee also notes that the time she spent with the students was memorable. She explained how, in her own words, “it was a pure blessing to hand out toboggans to the special education students that they had designed themselves.” Renee’s daughter, Lyndsey Jo, crocheted them into existence for the special project.
Another favorite of Renee’s is reading to the students at Hinton Area Elementary on Dr. Seuss Day. Helping with the Christmas crafts at the after-school party, judging the pumpkin contest, handing out pencils to students for the 100th day of school, dressing up and handing out candy for trunk-or-treat are among Renee’s other favorite things from her first term. She said the list wouldn’t be complete without the students grabbing her by the hands and asking her to join a dance circle. Band concerts are another favorite activity for the passionate board member.
Renee notes that a personal favorite of hers is dressing up in a silly costume and waving at the kids on the bus as they go by on the first and last days of school. Renee said she did this before becoming a board member, but enjoys it even more now.
She said she loves the first-day-back-to-school speeches with the whole gang. She also said that, despite some meetings and work sessions being long, she couldn’t ask for a better group to learn with.
In a second term, Renee hopes to see test scores rise, chronic absenteeism decrease, enrollment increase, and more certified teaching positions filled. “I want to continue not only listening but hearing,“ Renee said of more goals for a second term. She hopes the community can learn more about the board and its members. It’s policy making and fiduciary responsibilities.
“I look forward to continuing to work hard at making decisions with my fellow board members that are best for Summers County.“
EDITOR’S NOTE: If you are running for office in 2026 and are interested in a candidate ad or profile, reach out to rebecca@wvdn.com.
