I think Tim's right, you may as well print your business cards as "future PTO president" (and they'll be lucky to have you!) But, more importantly, easing in is definitely the answer.
I can see both sides of this issue (and I've been on both sides). It's a tough job to balance new ideas and old history. When I first joined, I asked about why don't we do x,y,z. While they were very polite, there were just some things that they knew weren't viable. I didn't always understand or agree at the time. For example, every year someone suggests we consider selling pre-packaged school supplies (including me, once). It just doesn't work in our school. It's not worth the time to consider it. On the other hand, just because it didn't work before, who's to say it can't now?
Before I really experienced cash counting of the annual catalog receipts, I naively assumed we could control this to the penney. I mean it's just good cash control processes and accurate math, right? Ha! I've since learned that balancing anything in the PTO is difficult. We have good cash processes, but illegible forms, a large percentage of orders that don't add up when opened, volunteers who are human and can make the occasional mistake, all take their toll. I've abandoned the idea that a multi thousand dollar fundraiser will balance to the penny and instead look for a reasonable error limit (1%).
The point is, the picture really does change with experience, and some of it is hard to explain or justify to someone else. So, my suggestion is make SOME suggestions, ease in, and remember how you feel right now. Then when, you're on the other side, you'll be better equipped to put the the new people at ease and find ways to use their ideas.
Good luck!
