The governing boards created by Kan. Stat. Ann. § 19-4002 are hereby authorized to establish and fund pension and deferred compensation plans for the employees of such boards and to procure contracts insuring such employees, their dependents, or any class or classes thereof under a policy or policies of life, disability income, health, accident, accidental death and dismemberment, and hospital, surgical and medical expense insurance. The employee’s contribution, if any, to the plan and to the premium for such insurance may be deducted by the employer from the employee’s salary when authorized in writing by the respective employee so to do.