The board may adopt and carry into effect a contract or contracts of group insurance or a system of group annuities or both for the benefit of such of the officers and employees of the district as accept the same and who have authorized the board to make deductions from their compensation for the payment of a portion of the premium thereon. Contracts of group insurance or systems of group annuities which include benefits to dependents of officers and employees are contracts of group insurance or systems of group annuities for the benefit of officers and employees for the purpose of this section. The board may make such deductions and may pay the remainder of such premiums from any funds of the district not required to be devoted to a specific purpose. The board may pay such portions of the premiums thereon or attributable thereto as it determines to be advisable. The board may arrange or contract for a contract or contracts of group insurance or a system of group annuities or both with any public agency or any insurance company or agent authorized by or pursuant to law to transact such business within this State.