WordPress is what to use when you want to work with your blogging software, not fight it. "Blog" is an abbreviated version of "weblog," which is a term used to describe web sites that maintain an ongoing chronicle of information. A blog is a frequently updated, personal website featuring diary-type commentary and links to articles or other Web sites. Blogs range from the personal to the political, and can focus on one narrow subject or a whole range of subjects. This will easily allow you to setup blogs for staff, students and groups.
Further information is available at http://wordpress.org.