Hi Astral T, 
I'm sure they won't employ anyone so naive but I still fear they will get a generic manager who then has to learn the ropes. A couple of academics have said I would be a good candidate because I know most of the business of the school.
The above is my point exactly. I think you are ready for a step up.
Just speaking for myself: I was in a technical trade, Radar and radio repair. I found it quite rewarding. I was promoted to management eventually and found that even better. I was never on the bench any more but I was kind of like a teacher manager.
I had apprentices and veteran tradies. I wrote reports on subordinates. I helped them in personal problems as far as I could. I passed on recomendations to higher management.
That's what management is all about. I found it more rewarding than at the bench. I felt I was contributing to production and maintaining high morale.
Cheers Marty