Notwithstanding the provisions of any general statute, charter or special act to the contrary, service by teachers who were employed by The University of Connecticut to teach at the E. O. Smith School on the date of the conveyance of the E. O. Smith School pursuant to section 2 of special act 84-42 and who are subsequently employed to teach at the E. O. Smith School on or before September 1, 1987, by the board of education for a regional school district consisting of the towns of Mansfield and Ashford shall be deemed to be state service for purposes of § 5-257. Eligibility for benefits pursuant to this section shall be treated in accordance with the provisions of said § 5-257. The state contribution for such benefits for such teachers shall continue in accordance with the provisions of said § 5-257.