N.J. Stat. § 18A:12-11.1
Whenever a new school district, except a regional school district, or a consolidated school district or a new district created under the terms of article 4 of chapter 8 of this title is created, there shall be placed upon the official ballot to be voted upon, at the first annual school election, the question whether the board shall consist of three, five, seven or nine members.
The balloting for board members shall take place as if nine members were to be elected, three for terms of three years, three for terms of two years, and three for terms of one year.
If it shall be determined as a result of the balloting that the board shall consist of nine members, the three candidates receiving the highest number of votes for each of said terms shall be declared elected.
If it shall be determined that the board shall consist of seven members, the three candidates receiving the highest number of votes for the three-year terms, the two candidates receiving the highest number of votes for the two-year terms, and the two candidates receiving the highest number of votes for the one-year term shall be declared elected.
If it shall be determined that the board shall consist of five members, the two candidates receiving the highest number of votes for the three-year terms, the two candidates receiving the highest number of votes for the two-year terms, and the candidate receiving the highest number of votes for the one-year term shall be declared elected.
If it shall be determined that the board shall consist of three members, each candidate receiving the highest number of votes for each of the terms shall be declared elected.
Annually thereafter there shall be elected a person or persons for the term of three years in the place of the member or members whose terms shall have expired.
N.J.S. § 18A:12-11.1