Morning Update: What you need to know in Maine today

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QUOTE OF THE DAY

“We used to say, ‘We’re going to put you in rows, we’re going to talk at you for 13 years, and then you’re going to have so many skills that you can go out and figure out what you want to do. Earlier and earlier, we’re going to say, ‘What are you interested in? Let’s build around that.’”

— Gregg Palmer, superintendent of the Brewer School Department, who is retiring after working in public education for 31 years.

TODAY’S TOP STORIES

Janet Mills defended her administration’s response to the HIV outbreak. As cases continue to climb, the outgoing governor noted that the state has assigned more public health nurses to the area and emphasized testing and treatment efforts.

Maine schools are preparing for a bell-to-bell cellphone ban. The new state law goes further than most schools that already restrict use of phones and other electronic devices.

Brewer’s outgoing superintendent says it’s time for “fresh eyes” to lead the school district. Gregg Palmer worked in public education for 31 years, from teaching special education students to being superintendent.

Residents of a Hancock mobile home park are fighting the rent hikes of a multinational owner. In the five years since Sun Communities acquired Hancock Heights Mobile Home Park, residents say rents have shot up while maintenance has fallen behind.

Home prices surged more in Maine than nearly every other state. The typical home in the state’s largest city costs nearly $300,000 more than it would have a decade ago, a new study revealed.