The board members elected pursuant to section 1 of P.L. 1977, c. 30 (C. 18A:54-16.1), for the school year preceding the year in which this act takes effect shall remain in office until their successors are appointed and qualified which shall occur no later than December 31, 1983. In making the first appointments to a board one person shall be appointed to serve for one year, one person for two years, one for three years and two for four years; thereafter, members shall serve for terms of four years. Vacancies in the membership of the board shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments were made.
N.J.S. § 18A:54-16.9