1. Notwithstanding the provisions of N.J.S.18A:66-56 and in order to effect the staggering of the terms of the members of the board of trustees of the retirement system elected from the groups defined in the regulations of the retirement system, the terms of those members shall be as follows:
a. the member elected from Group A for a term commencing January 1, 1997, shall serve a term of three years;
b. the member elected from Group C for a term commencing January 1, 1997, shall serve a term of two years;
c. the member elected from Group B for a term commencing on January 1, 1998, shall serve a term of three years.
Members elected thereafter shall serve three-year terms.