All valid questions for sure but my gut tells me this is something that was done to appease a group of parents.
Dont get my wrong, I'm not saying it's right. But, yeah, I'm sure it was done to appease a group of parents, likely the parents whose kids were abused. Because how do you feel safe sending your kid there again? You make sure no one is left who might have been a part of preying on your kid.
Anyway if the logic behind the mass layoff/firing was that they should have known and did nothing then I think the principal should also be out of work right now. It is, after all, his or her job to know what is going on in the school.
According to shadow's article, the superintendent is referring to laying off the entire staff. That would include the principal.