Short-Term Suspension
A short-term suspension usually means that the student cannot come onto school grounds or participate in any school related classes for a period of ten school days or less. 

Long-Term Suspension
A long-term suspension usually means that a student cannot come onto school grounds or participate in any school related activities for a period greater than ten school days but not lasting longer than the end of the school year. 

Long term suspensions are generally accompanied by an appeals process which the student and his/her family can take if they feel the suspension is not justified. 

In-School Suspension
An in-school suspension often means that the student still must come to school everyday and do their work, but they do so separated from their classmates and are not allowed to participate in activities or socializing. 

Expulsion
Expulsion from a school means that a student is not allowed to attend that school for a certain period of time (usually, but not always, 1 or 2 years).  This is the most extreme form of punishment a school can assign and only happens in very rare and serious circumstances.  The decision has to come from the school board or committee, not an individual.  

Who You’re Dealing With:

Principal
The principal is in charge of one particular school.  Teachers and other staff report to him/her.  If you have problems with how anyone in the school is treating you or with the education you are receiving, the principal is the one to talk to.  The principal is also the person who will most likely have imposed a suspension. 

Superintendent
The superintendent is in charge of a whole school district.  The principals of each school report to the superintendent.  They may or may not be present in the school to see the everyday workings.  If you are facing a long suspension or expulsion they superintendent will most likely be involved.   

School Board/Committee     
The school board or committee is an elected body of community members who oversee the superintendent (and therefore the principals and all staff in the schools).  Most major decisions eventually come down before the school committee, including serious discipline issues.  If you are facing expulsion you will most likely have a hearing before the school committee.

State Board of Education
The Board of Education oversees all the public schools in a particular state.  Generally you will never get involved with them directly, but if you believe that a school regulation is fundamentally unfair, you need questions answered about state regulations that pertain to your case, or (in some states) if you need legal representation the state board of education can often provide these things.