SECTION 1. Notwithstanding the provisions of chapter 71 of the general laws or any other general or special law, rule, regulation or agreement to the contrary, the town of Worthington may unilaterally withdraw as a member of the Gateway Regional School District, hereinafter referred to as the district, provided that the commissioner of elementary and secondary education approves the town's plans for the education of its children. The commissioner shall issue his decision within sixty days of submission of said plans, and in the case of disapproval, shall set forth his reasons therefor.

SECTION 2. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, upon withdrawal pursuant to section 1, the town of Worthington shall:

(1) pay to the district operating and capital costs in accordance with the provisions of section IX of the Gateway Regional School District Regional Agreement, hereinafter referred to as the agreement; and

(2) be obligated to pay any repayment amounts due to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) in accordance with the provisions of section IX(E) of the agreement, unless or until such amounts have been repaid for all of the buildings or the MSBA no longer requires repayment for the building or buildings.

SECTION 3.   The effective date of the town’s withdrawal from the district shall be determined in accordance with 603 CMR 41.03(2)(a).