Each local board of education may form its employees into a group or groups or recognize existing groups for the purpose of obtaining the advantages of group life, disability, medical and dental insurance or any group insurance plans to aid its employees, as long as the employees continue to be employed by the board of education. Any local board of education may pay all or part of the premium on the policies and/or may deduct from the salaries of the employees that part of the premium which is to be paid by them and may contract with the insurer to provide the above benefits.
Ala. Code § 16-22-5 (1975)