A third candidate has taken out papers to run for Milford School Committee, creating the likelihood of a race for the two seats available.

Joe Morais, who works in management for Putnam Investments of Boston, took out nomination papers Tuesday. Jonathan Bruce, a former School Committee chairman, has returned his papers already, as has Patrick Holland, an incumbent member and the current chairman.

The election is April 2.

Morais, 40, will be conducting a first contested race for elected office. He is a Town Meeting representative. Morais graduated from Milford High School in 1991 and then earned a business administration degree from Worcester State University. He has one daughter, a second-grader at Memorial Elementary School.

Morais grew up in Milford, the son of parents who emigrated from Portugal. He said he wanted to serve the community and do what he can to see that children get a quality education. "First and foremost, I want to give back to the community that's given so much to me and my family over the years."

He is not trying to run against anyone, he said, but felt the School Committee is important enough, it should have multiple candidates. If nothing else, a contested race will raise the profile of education issues, he said.

He thought about running last year, but wanted to make sure he had the time commitment to the office. This year, his work requires less travel. 

If he obtains the required number of signatures, and those signatures are verified by the Milford Town Clerk, Morais will be on the ballot with Holland, who is seeking re-election, and Bruce, a former chairman as well.

The deadline for candidates to take out papers to run for office in Milford is 5 p.m. Friday.